Bronze jar

This decorative bronze vessel was made as an inkwell, or ink pot, and retains its removable clear-glass liner. The object has a compact cylindrical body, a recessed opening and a separate circular lid fitted with a rounded central knob. No maker’s mark or signature is visible.

The body is made in cast bronze with ornament worked in relief. Its sides are encircled by a repeating sequence of elongated overlapping leaves or petals, divided by narrow vertical recesses. The lid is decorated with concentric rows of rounded, finely textured petals radiating from the central knob, resembling a stylized chrysanthemum or dahlia. The combination of the cylindrical body, projecting relief and layered floral lid gives the object a dense, sculptural form.

The bronze has developed a predominantly dark brown and black patina, with reddish-brown highlights on raised areas and localized green oxidation within the deeper recesses. These tonal variations emphasize the cast decoration and indicate the natural surface development of an aged copper-based alloy. The clear cylindrical liner has a slightly flared upper rim and is removable for filling and cleaning.

The botanical ornament and integration of natural forms into the structure are consistent with Art Nouveau and Jugendstil metalwork from around the beginning of the twentieth century, approximately 1890–1920.

The inkwell is in good vintage condition, with surface wear, discoloration, oxidation and established patination consistent with age and handling. The removable glass liner has a small chip or loss at its upper rim. The damage is visible but the liner remains substantially intact. Minor marks and deposits are also present on the glass and metal surfaces.

The inkwell measures 9 cm in diameter × 7.5 cm high, corresponding to approximately 3.5 inches in diameter × 3 inches high.