Decorated standish (desk-set) with two inkwells and a nib/stamp compartment

This style of standish is about the late Edwardian era to1920 or so, beautifully decorated with a chrysanthemum flower motif. There is a generous pen rest, two glass inkwells in good condition, which may, or may not be original, and a repository for additional nibs or indeed stamps. The body of the standish is comprised of papier-mache which remains in excellent condition. The standish sits on 4 small bun feet on extended panels at each corner, which adds to the over-all visual impact as well as lifting the main body plate well above the desk. The inkwells are a nicely matched pair with screw lids and chamfered edges and are free of chips, cracks or other damage. They measure 35mm square but the sunken inkwell holders would accept inkwells of 39 – 40mm in their velvet lined repositories. The central lidded compartment has a sloping base which leads us to think it is a retainer for stamps rather than nibs. There is the most minor marks on this standish, which is remarkable given age and the material used. The standish measures 215mm by 155mm to the outer edge of the corner extensions and the ‘face’ of the standish sits 17mm from the desk.

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