Antique Renaissance bronze inkwell with masks. Italy 16.-17. century

Antique Renaissance bronze inkwell with masks. Italy 16.-17. century. This impressive heavy cast bronze inkwell from the Renaissance (ca. 1550-1650) features a characteristic cylindrical design with a lid and grotesque mask heads in relief, flanked by flowering arabesque decoration. The base shows special patina with worn casting marks. A genuine status symbol from the Renaissance.

Provenance: Belongs to the ancient collection of Michael Bloch (b.1931-2015) Royal Registrar & Architect.

Weight: ca. 2.8 kg. Dimensions: ca. 7x10 cm. Stand: see images.