Antique art deco silver plate (epns) and glass bottle ink well marked h m

Antique art deco 1920s? silver plate (epns) and glass bottle ink well marked h m possibly by henry Mathews this highly decorative ink well has stunning form the glass ink well fits perfectly 4 small bun feet to bottom elevate it further please note there is some minor wear tarnishing to lid and holder some age related marks/wear it is over a hundred years old! Would make a stunning desk piece 15 cm square ink well is 6 cm square 5 cm tall

Henry Matthews was a silversmith and jeweler based in Birmingham, England, who was active from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. He was known for his small, finely detailed silver items, including hair brushes, cigarette cases, and buttons.

Early years

Registered his first mark in 1894

Had his office on Vittoria Street in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter

Production

Made a range of small silver items, including hair brushes, cigarette cases, frames, hat pins, card cases, and buttons

Also produced jewelry in the style of the day

Stopped production in 1930

Hallmarks

All of his pieces bear his makers mark "H M" together with the Birmingham assay mark of the anchor

Examples of his work

An Art Déco sterling silver and enamels pocket watch hallmarked in Birmingham in 1926-1927

A sterling silver and enamel dressing table set hallmarked in Birmingham in 1930

An Art Déco sterling silver and enamels table clock hallmarked in Birmingham in 1930-1931

Art Deco was a design style that originated in the 1920s and 1930s. It was a reaction to the ornate Art Nouveau style and was influenced by Cubism, Futurism, and Constructivism. Art Deco is known for its geometric shapes, bold colors, and luxurious materials.

Origins

Art Deco first appeared in France before World War I.

The style was named after the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts in Paris.

The style was influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement, Cubism, and the Vienna Secession.

Characteristics

Art Deco was a celebration of progress and modern times.

It was a response to the elaborate styles of the Victorian and Art Nouveau eras.

It was characterized by bold geometric shapes, symmetry, and vivid colors.

It used luxurious materials like ivory, horn, and zebra skin.

Influences

Art Deco was influenced by ancient Egyptian art, Aztec art, and the design of modern ships, trains, and cars.

It was also influenced by the Bauhaus, Le Corbusier, and Mies van de Rohe.

Applications

Art Deco was used in furniture, pottery, textiles, jewelry, glass, cinema, and hotel architecture.

It was also used in skyscrapers and kitchen supplies.

Legacy

Art Deco paved the way for the Modern Movement after World War II.

It experienced a resurgence of interest in the 1960s and 1980s.