Australian Aboriginal Silver Emu Egg Inkwell

J. M. Wendt, rare Australian silver mounted emu egg inkwell on…
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J. M. Wendt, rare Australian silver mounted emu egg inkwell on timber plinth, adorned with Aboriginal figures, cockatoo finial and mirrored inset cartouche with kangaroo and emu in landscape decorated with fern fronds, South Australia origin, 19th century, stamped 'J. M. W.' with crown and lion passant, 20.5 cm high, 22 cm wide, 15.5 cm deep overall. Provenance: The Edward Clark collection, Melbourne

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  • Cartouche - An ornamental panel in the form of of a shield, oval or rectangular scroll with curling edges. It may be carved into the back of a chair or the top of a sideboard, or present on a piece of silver or jewellery, and contain the initials of the original owner, heraldic symbols, or some other inscription, such as the details of a presentation.

    In ceramics the term defines the central area of a vase or similar with a decorative border in one of the shapes above, into which a decorative scene or figures have been painted.
  • Finial - An architectural decoration, found on the upper parts of of an object. On furniture they are usually found on pediments, canopies and shelf supports. On smaller ceramic or silver items, such as spoons, they may decorate the top of the item itself, or the lid or cover where they provide a useful handle for removal.

    Finials have a variety of shapes and forms. They may be urn-shaped, baluster shaped round or spiral, but usually taper into an upper point. Many real life shapes may also be used as finials, such as pineapples, berries, pinecones, buds, lotus and acorns. Sometimes animals such as a lion are depicted, or fish and dolphins.

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