Tiffany Studios described the Ninth Century Set as one of their most elaborate Desk Set designs. Period sales pamphlets focusing specifically on Tiffany Desk Sets focused on the Ninth Century's decoration of stylized animals, including birds, squirrels and hares, which Tiffany’s designers incorporated as a substitute for the grotesques commonly seen in Decorative Arts from the Middle Ages. These charming creatures are surrounded by intricate knotwork and interlace designs, described by Tiffany Studios as “carved ornament” and “deeply cut strapwork.”
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.
This Rocker Blotter from the set, in bright gold patina, features surface decoration the flat top as well as the finial handle. The edges feature narrow borders with scrolling motif 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.
2" high x 5 ¾" wide x 2 ½" deep