Inkstand surmounted with carving of mulberry leaves and berries [realia] / Thomas Sharp.

[England] : [s.n.], [18th or 19th century]

1 inkstand : mulberry tree wood ; Box approx. 2 1/8 in. tall, 7 3/8 in. wide, 4 1/2 in. deep; mounted on silver feet 3/4 in. tall.

wood

Incised diaper patter on lid. Parallel lines form lozenges which are decorated with stylized leaves and flowers. This pattern compares with one used on a base for a figure of Shakespeare after the Poets' Corner statue, Westminster Abbey which has the mark of Thomas Sharp's die stamp. See Wood no. 16. Attribution of carver based partially on this comparison, In addition, the lid is surmounted with carving of mulberry leaves and berries, head of Shakespeare, and his coat of arms, which compares with Thomas Sharp's style. The 2-chambered box is fitted with red velvet and the remaining exposed wood is decorated with red silk ribbon. All 4 sides are decorated with intersecting raised bands which form a single row of lozenges. Each row is framed by raised bands. A small flower is carved in relief in the center of each lozenge. At the edge of the frame, flowers are carved as lunettes. Speckled background is incised. Front panel has a silver button which operates a catch. Lid is attached with 1 silver hinge. Silver bracket feet are concave.

Certification: on oval silver plaque mounted on underside of lid: This ink stand/was carv'd from the mulberry/tree which was planted/by the poet Shakespeare/ (with his own hands) in his garden/at Stratford upon Avon. Auction catalogue states that the box came with a notes signed by Mary Siddons [Mary Fombelle Siddons] dated 1867, saying that it was given by Garrick [i.e. Mrs. Garrick] to Mrs. Siddons and is bequeathed to her daughter, Francis Wilson. Documentation, now cataloged as Y.d.603 (1-2), confirms giver as Mrs. Garrick. Pt. 1 has note by Frederic Ouvry, June 6, 1878, saying the box was given to him by Frances Wilson's daughter, Harriot Tait. Pt. 2 is a letter from Harriot Tait to Mr. Ourvry asking him to accept the box. Letter is not dated. The Sotheby catalog of Nov. 11-14, 1929 lists former owner as E. C. Ouvry. Case Correspondence File has a.l.s. from Mr. Royce at the firm of Gabriel Wells to HCF, Nov. 23, 1929, saying that Mr. Wells got him the Garrick relic, lot no. 618 for L200/-/-.

Provenance: Mrs. Folger's card file under Garrick: Misc. Relics records purchase of inkstand of mulberry tree wood from Sotheby sale, Nov. 11-14, 1929, lot no. 718 (Wells) [i.e. Gabriel Wells, N.Y.] Auction catalog records description, "...box is elaborately carved with a mask of Shakespeare and foliage with a diamond pattern around the side, and is fitted with red velvet and a silver plate with inscription..." Identification of box from this description.

Wood no. 10

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cs1985; ART Inv. 1125