Inkwell

At first glance, this unusual item kept in the Wilanów collection of varia seems to be completely different from what it actually is. Presented spatially between vegetation, architecture – two small slender houses founded on a wall on an irregular terrain – is not just a figure for decorating a shelf, a sort of “knick-knack” to be viewed, but a very practical thing. This layout hides an item that was commonly used in those days – an inkwell. The foundation was given an irregular shape resembling a ground on which a wall pierced with barred windows is erected. The small house standing on the wall received a movable pitched roof. Apart from vegetation, a small lake surrounded with naturalistically formed bundles of reeds also creates the illusion of an landscape. In the foundation of the inkwell – in the part that received an irregular form suggesting an earth foundation for this spatial-architectural composition – there are two hollows where ink vessels were placed. When the writing was finished, containers could be closed with lids. Unfortunately, we do not know who is the author of this exquisite item. The trace that allows us to associate it with the history of the Wilanów collection is a record in the inventory drawn up in 1793 (Inventory of the Wilanów Palace of Princess Izabela Lubomirska née Czartoryska, AGAD, AGWil., Administration of the Museum in Wilanów 171), when Princess Izabela Lubomirska née Czartoryska was the owner of Wilanów (1736–1816).

In 1793, this inkwell was probably displayed in the Master’s Bedroom (Room Two). In the inventory, it was listed under no. 488 and noted down on page 142. It is described as follows: ‘A gilded bronze inkwell with Towers, Porcelain Flowers and a House.’