Inkwell Gustav Gurschner ca. 1907

Among everyday objects designed by Gustav Gurschner, we find smoking utensils, which in his day were classic accessories for a “gentlemen’s room” or a smoking salon.
With its compact round shape, this inkwell is a rather unpretentious object. However, its size, its spiral decoration and the choice of material make it remarkable. The play of its silver-plated surface contrasting to the earthy bronze gives this object a very special, archaic touch. Furthermore, from this bronze work, it is easy to see a visible renewal of the formal language around the turn of the 20th century originating from the applied arts.
The ashtray is signed “Gurschner” and bears the foundry stamp “k.k.K.E.Wien” of Viennese company K.K. Kunst-Erzgiesserei, as well as the model number.