Antique Heavy Brass Inkwell. Greek Sphinx. Mythology. Greek Scene & Emblems. Glass well. Pen Holder. France.
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In Greek mythology, the sphinx is shown with the head of a woman, wings of a bird and body of a lion. This character represents a treacherous and merciless version of a sphinx . . . not to be messed around with at any time.
This is the same sphinx that appears in the legends, myths and dramas of Oedipus, probably described by ancient Greek poets like Homer, Hesiod, Pindar, Aeschylus and Euripides.
These detailed sphinxes appear on each side of the brass inkwell. The engraving on the front is certainly a depiction of a Greek scene, perhaps Oedipus and his Mom? Engraving, flurries and flairs all around!
There is a bluish glass insert, under the lid of the well. An ample tray for more than just a few pens, pencils and feathers.
Not likely from the Victorian period but likely from the early 1900s based on posts and oxidation.
For the Serious Collector and writer. No damage.