Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1934.1.235.8 |
Object Name |
Pen |
Description |
Porcelain pen holder. The base is white with a floral motif ("deutche blumen"). It has a brass nib mount and a steel nib. Made by M. Redon, Limoges, France, and decorated by George Heufel, Dresden, Germany. Porcelain inkstand. The covered urn-shaped well is removable, and the shell-edged dish is decorated in floral bouquets called deutsche blumen and gilt trim. The marks indicate the blank ceramics were made in France and then decorated in Germany. Mark of M. Redon, Limoges, France; Mark of Heufel and Company, Dresden, Germany. Porcelain desk sets were trendy luxury items at the turn of the century. The fine porcelain inkstand, pen, and shaker "blanks" were made in Limoges, France, but embellished with floral designs and gilt in Dresden, Germany—a center of porcelain decoration. Pounce, typically made from powdered cuttlefish bone, was sprinkled from the shaker onto paper to make it smooth for writing, or to keep wet ink from running. |
Title |
Pen |
Date |
c. 1895 |
Role of Creator |
Manufacturer |
Creator |
M. Redon |
Role of Creator 2 |
Artist |
Creator 2 |
Heufel and Company |
Material |
porcelain | metal |
Dimensions |
W-0.375 L-7 inches |
Credit line |
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Bailey Audigier |
Place of Origin |
Europe/France/Limoges |
Culture |
European |
Subjects |
Ceramic industries Decorations Desks Pens Social classes Writing Writing materials |