{"product_id":"antique-engraved-brass-ink-pot-or-incense-holder-c-1880-1910","title":"Antique Engraved Brass Ink Pot or Incense Holder c.1880–1910","description":"\u003ch1 data-start=\"542\" data-end=\"553\"\u003eThe Piece\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"555\" data-end=\"873\"\u003eAn antique \u003cstrong data-start=\"566\" data-end=\"594\"\u003eengraved brass container\u003c\/strong\u003e featuring a cylindrical body decorated with intricate geometric hand-engraved patterns and a removable domed lid. The exterior surface is richly detailed with diagonal bands, ladder-like motifs, and repeating triangular elements that wrap around the vessel in symmetrical bands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"875\" data-end=\"1161\"\u003eThe lid is constructed with a raised stepped dome and a small central opening surrounded by a ring of triangular punch decoration. This border was created using a small metal punch tool, resulting in slight irregularities that indicate hand craftsmanship rather than machine production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1163\" data-end=\"1550\"\u003eThe container’s compact proportions and removable lid suggest that it was originally intended for use as a \u003cstrong data-start=\"1270\" data-end=\"1340\"\u003esmall ink pot, incense burner, powder container, or desk accessory\u003c\/strong\u003e. The small opening in the lid dome would allow smoke or scent to escape if used for incense or aromatic powders, while similar vessels also commonly appeared as ink well inserts within Victorian writing desks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1552\" data-end=\"1759\"\u003eThe interior retains the warm patina of aged brass and shows natural oxidation consistent with long-term use and age. The lid sits securely within the rim and lifts easily, maintaining its functional design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1761\" data-end=\"1994\"\u003eObjects of this type were frequently produced as decorative yet practical desk accessories during the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, when writing desks and correspondence tables were central fixtures within domestic interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1996\" data-end=\"2035\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1996\" data-end=\"2015\"\u003eEstimated Date:\u003c\/strong\u003e circa \u003cstrong data-start=\"2022\" data-end=\"2035\"\u003e1880–1910\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2037\" data-end=\"2040\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 data-start=\"2042\" data-end=\"2062\"\u003eHistorical Context\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2064\" data-end=\"2309\"\u003eDuring the late 19th century, brass became one of the most widely used decorative metals for household objects and desk accessories. The material was valued for its durability, warm golden tone, and ability to hold intricate engraved decoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2311\" data-end=\"2659\"\u003eMany engraved brass desk items were produced in workshops throughout the British Empire and exported internationally. Regions such as India became important centers for decorative brass production during the Victorian period, creating objects that blended traditional metalworking techniques with designs intended for European and American markets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2661\" data-end=\"2969\"\u003eThese pieces often featured geometric engraving, punched borders, and repeating motifs similar to those seen on this container. The slight irregularity of the engraved patterns and punch decoration suggests hand tooling rather than industrial machine engraving, a hallmark of late 19th-century craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2971\" data-end=\"3266\"\u003eSmall containers such as this were commonly found on writing desks and dressing tables, used to store ink, powder, incense, sealing wax, or other small household items. Their combination of function and decorative detail made them enduring elements of Victorian desk sets and domestic interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3268\" data-end=\"3271\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 data-start=\"3273\" data-end=\"3290\"\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3292\" data-end=\"3328\"\u003eEstimated Date\u003cbr data-start=\"3306\" data-end=\"3309\"\u003ecirca \u003cstrong data-start=\"3315\" data-end=\"3328\"\u003e1880–1910\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3330\" data-end=\"3341\"\u003eMaterials\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3343\" data-end=\"3440\"\u003e• Solid brass construction\u003cbr data-start=\"3369\" data-end=\"3372\"\u003e• Hand-engraved decorative surface\u003cbr data-start=\"3406\" data-end=\"3409\"\u003e• Hand-punched border detailing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3442\" data-end=\"3450\"\u003eDesign\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3452\" data-end=\"3579\"\u003e• Cylindrical body with geometric engraving\u003cbr data-start=\"3495\" data-end=\"3498\"\u003e• Domed removable lid\u003cbr data-start=\"3519\" data-end=\"3522\"\u003e• Triangular punch border\u003cbr data-start=\"3547\" data-end=\"3550\"\u003e• Central vent opening in lid\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3581\" data-end=\"3596\"\u003ePossible Uses\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3598\" data-end=\"3721\"\u003e• Ink pot or ink well insert\u003cbr data-start=\"3626\" data-end=\"3629\"\u003e• incense burner\u003cbr data-start=\"3645\" data-end=\"3648\"\u003e• powder container\u003cbr data-start=\"3666\" data-end=\"3669\"\u003e• trinket or desk accessory\u003cbr data-start=\"3696\" data-end=\"3699\"\u003e• small storage vessel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3723\" data-end=\"3726\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 data-start=\"3728\" data-end=\"3747\"\u003eCondition + Notes\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3749\" data-end=\"3811\"\u003eGood antique condition consistent with age and historical use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3813\" data-end=\"3841\"\u003eObserved condition includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3843\" data-end=\"4048\"\u003e→ natural brass patina from age\u003cbr data-start=\"3874\" data-end=\"3877\"\u003e→ surface wear and light scratches\u003cbr data-start=\"3911\" data-end=\"3914\"\u003e→ oxidation inside the container\u003cbr data-start=\"3946\" data-end=\"3949\"\u003e→ lid remains removable and functional\u003cbr data-start=\"3987\" data-end=\"3990\"\u003e→ minor wear to engraved surfaces consistent with handling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4050\" data-end=\"4131\"\u003eThe aged brass finish contributes to the authenticity and character of the piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"4133\" data-end=\"4136\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 data-start=\"4138\" data-end=\"4167\"\u003eWhy It Belongs in Your Home\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4169\" data-end=\"4467\"\u003eAntique brass objects such as this container capture the quiet craftsmanship of late Victorian decorative metalwork. Designed to be both functional and ornamental, pieces like this once occupied writing desks, dressing tables, and studies where daily correspondence and personal rituals took place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4469\" data-end=\"4799\"\u003eThe engraved surface reflects light beautifully, while the warm patina developed over more than a century adds depth and visual interest. Whether displayed as a decorative accent or used as a small storage vessel, the piece offers a tangible connection to the materials and craftsmanship of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"4801\" data-end=\"4804\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 data-start=\"4806\" data-end=\"4831\"\u003eFrom Viridian Eclection\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"4833\" data-end=\"5110\"\u003eAt Viridian Eclection, we curate objects that reflect the artistry and craftsmanship of everyday historical life. Small artifacts like this engraved brass container remind us that even the most modest household items were once made with intention, skill, and lasting materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"5112\" data-end=\"5217\"\u003eEach piece carries with it the quiet marks of time and use—evidence of the many lives it has accompanied.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Viridian Eclection","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42978197831785,"sku":null,"price":28.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0651\/0093\/9369\/files\/antique_engraved_brass_ink_pot_or_incense_holder_c.18801910772629590845735054804303977.jpg?v=1774756294","url":"https:\/\/viridianeclection.com\/products\/antique-engraved-brass-ink-pot-or-incense-holder-c-1880-1910","provider":"Viridian Eclection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}