Antique 17th -18th century Russian Or Ukrainian Bronze Inkwell

Antique 17th—or early 18th-century Russian or Ukrainian portable inkwell. It is made of copper alloy and has a unique flattened flask shape. The inkwell has a wide mouth and two loops on the sides used for hanging. 

The front and back of the inkwell are adorned with low relief incised decor, which depicts a popular 17th-century Russian topic known as "Fight of the Lion and Unicorn." This topic was often used in Russian art and literature, symbolizing the struggle between good and evil. 

Please see the link below.

https://ornamika.com/en/pattern/10774/

REFERENCE:

1. An inkwell like this is published in the book "Folk Art In The Soviet Union" by Tatyana Razina, page. 91. Please see the pictures in the listing.

2. Three related Inkwells are published in the book "Украина- козацька держава by Володимир Недяк. (Ukrainian Cossack state by Volodymyr Nedyak) Page: 86. Please see the last picture in the listing.

3. An inkwell like this was presented in Paris during the exhibition "Russian Art from the Scythians to the present day - Treasures of the Soviet Museums" at Grand Palais in Paris, from October 1967 to January 1968, number 294.

https://www.coutaubegarie.com/lot/91078/8699542?npp=50&offset=50&

4. A comparable inkwell was sold at the "Russian Art" auction at Hôtel des Ventes de Monte-Carlo Monaco on July 24, 2014. Lot No.28. Please see the link below:

https://www.coutaubegarie.com/en/lot/91078/8699542?npp=50&offset=50&

5. Another inkwell as this is published in the catalog Coutau-Bégarie auction "Art Russe" on April 12, 2018, for 1200 EUR- 1500 EUR. Please see the link below.

https://www.coutaubegarie.com/en/lot/91078/8699542?npp=50&offset=50&

Estimate price of 1 200 EUR - 1 500 EUR. in US dollars in 2018 ($1440-$1800) This price is from 2 years ago.

We will provide the buyer with photocopies of the pages from the mentioned references together with a certificate of authenticity.

MEASUREMENTS:

Height: 6.2 cm (2.44 inches)

Overall length: 6.7cm (2.64 inches)

Width: 4 .5 cm (1.77inches)

CONDITION: Showing age and usage, the base is incised with a later added inscription and date 1817.