Inkstand 18th century

This inkstand, created by Wedgwood and Bentley between 1769 and 1780, presents a fascinating study in form and function. The object is defined by its cylindrical shape, a solid, compact form rendered in a matte black basalt stoneware. Consider the composition: the cylinder is crowned with a flat top, punctuated by a central circular opening, and three smaller, equally spaced holes. The incised vertical lines running along the cylinder's body create a subtle texture, a play of light and shadow. This texture serves to accentuate the object's geometry, emphasizing its verticality and circularity, and the relationships between line and plane, void and solid. The inkstand's materiality is also key. The choice of black basalt stoneware is not merely aesthetic but symbolic. It speaks to the era's fascination with classical antiquity and the desire to emulate the gravitas and permanence of ancient artifacts. The inkstand becomes a site of intersection between form, material, and historical context, prompting reflection on the relationship between utility, artistry, and cultural aspiration.