The Ninth Century set is one of the few Tiffany desk sets which features Tiffany Favrile Glass as an important decorative element used to imitate a semi-precious jewel or stone. Tiffany Studios acknowledged that the Ninth Century Set was one of their most elaborate desk sets; period sales brochures focusing on Tiffany Desk Sets described the Ninth Century set’s decoration of stylized animals, including birds, squirrels and hares, which Tiffany’s designers adapted as a substitute for the grotesques commonly seen in Decorative Arts from the 9th century. These charming creatures are surrounded by intricate knotwork and interlace designs, described by Tiffany Studios as “carved ornament” and “deeply cut strapwork.”
This Inkstand or Inkwell from the set, in bright gold patina, features surface decoration on all four flat sides as well as the domed hinged lid. Narrow borders with scrolling motifs are punctuated by inset rounded polished Tiffany Favrile Glass cabochons in shades of deep blue and green, likely intended to recall the tones of sapphires and emeralds. A blue cabochon gem sits at the apex of the domed lid, which hinges open to reveal an inset clear glass liner.
Height: 2 ½ inches (6.4 cm)
Width: 4 inches (10.2 cm)
Depth: 4 inches (10.2 cm)