Antique Eight-Sided Umbrella Inkwell
Decorative Art, Utilitarian Glassware • Unknown American or European Glasshouse (likely Northeastern United States)
Style & Movement
Victorian Utilitarian / Early Industrial Glass
Medium & Technique
Aquamarine glass; mold-blown with a hand-finished or applied sheared lip
Creation Period
Mid-to-Late 19th Century (c. 1850–1880)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 2.5 inches in height and 2.25 inches in diameter at base; Three-dimensional small-form vessel
Subject Description
A small, functional ink vessel featuring an octagonal (umbrella) body shape designed for stability on a desk. The color is a natural aquamarine characteristic of iron impurities in sand used during the period. The composition is geometric with eight faceted sides tapering toward a cylindrical neck.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good; shows signs of age-related wear including interior clouding (sickness), surface scratches, and minor inclusions
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 – $60.00 USD
Auction Estimate
$20.00 – $40.00 USD
Provenance History
Unknown; likely a mass-produced item from the late 19th century recovered from a historical domestic site or passed through private collections
Art Historical Significance
Represents the transition from artisanal glassblowing to industrial mold-formed production in the 19th century. Umbrella wells are a classic iconic form of the Victorian era, reflecting the rise of personal literacy and the commercialization of writing materials.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'Umbrella' shape; classic aquamarine tint; evidence of an early mold-blown process with a rough pontil mark potentially on the base (not visible in image but typical of the era).
Condition Issues
Visible interior residue or 'glass sickness' (mineral deposits from prolonged liquid contact), small air bubbles (seeds) inherent to the making process, and minor exterior pitting.
Conservation Recommendations
Clean with mild non-ionic detergent and distilled water; avoid harsh chemical solvents which can react with weakened antique glass; display away from extreme temperature fluctuations to prevent stress fractures.