Antique Victorian Ashford Black Marble Pietra Dura Twin Inkwell Stand, 1865

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A fine and unusually complete Victorian desk standish or twin inkwell stand, dating to circa 1860–1870 and constructed from solid … Read more A fine and unusually complete Victorian desk standish or twin inkwell stand, dating to circa 1860–1870 and constructed from solid black marble richly inlaid with geometric arrangements of colourful specimen hardstones in the pietra dura tradition. ㅤ The rectangular stand is centred by a raised domed pen rest and flanked by a pair of substantial moulded glass inkwells. The polished black stone provides a dramatic background for the precisely arranged multicoloured hardstone inlays, creating the striking contrast associated with Victorian Derbyshire stonework. ㅤ The piece is possibly attributable to the celebrated marble-working tradition of Ashford-in-the-Water, Derbyshire. Ashford became particularly renowned for polished black stone decorated with intricate specimen-stone inlay, and its marble works remained active throughout the Victorian period. ㅤ Ashford Black Marble is technically a very fine-grained dark limestone rather than a true geological marble. Once polished, however, its exceptionally dark surface provided an ideal ground for colourful pietra dura decoration and was extensively used for luxury decorative objects during the 19th century. ㅤ The two moulded glass inkwells are fitted with silver-plated mounts and bases. These appear stylistically later than the marble stand and are likely Edwardian additions dating to circa 1905, demonstrating the continued practical use of the stand into the early 20th century. ㅤ The silver-plated fittings possibly bear the mark of James Dixon & Sons, although the attribution should remain cautious unless confirmed from a clear photograph of the marks. ㅤ Weighing approximately 3 kg, the stand has considerable substance and presence. It remains in very good antique condition, with no significant damage or repairs and no chips to the glass, displaying only minor age-related surface marks and small nibbles to the base. ㅤ A particularly attractive and complete example of Victorian desk furniture, combining British pietra dura craftsmanship, specimen hardstones, black marble and traditional glass inkwells. Possible Origin: Ashford-in-the-Water, Derbyshire, England Date: Circa 1860–1870 Inkwells: Possibly circa 1905 Period: Victorian Style: Victorian / Pietra Dura Material: Black marble, specimen hardstones, glass, silver plate Possible Maker of Silver-Plated Mounts: James Dixon & Sons Weight: Approximately 3 kg Possibly from the Derbyshire Village. Ashford-in-the-Water. United kingdom. Circa 1860\.70's Dimensions : Height including the ink wells 91 mm Stand 260 x 187 x 21 mm Inkwells ; Height 68 mm Bases 64 mm square Maker's mark probably ; James Dixon & Sons. Gross weight ; Approximately 3 kgs See less