Antique inlaid wooden inkwell. Made pre-Israel (Palestine) - first half of the 20th century at the height of the Bezalel Art School production.

Measures 2 3/8 inches accross the top (square). A little over 1 3/4 inches high.

Carved to look like a stack of books, in volumes I-V with a 6th, larger book placed on top of them (forming the lid). Beautiful detail to the carving, which shows top quality workmanship. The top is marked in Hebrew: YERUSHALEM, which denotes a pre-1948 date. It is inlaid with a bird, swooping down with an olive branch in it's beak. The bird looks like a swallow. The lid inside has a red velvet lining, slightly worn where it has rubbed against the lid of the inkwell. There is a small crack on the inner right side of the lid, caused by natural wood shrinkage. Original hinges in good condition. A sturdy latch opens the lid of the inkwell and within is a small glass container. All in good condition.

This inkwell is utterly charming in it's bookish and peaceful themes. The wood has a beautiful patina formed over the years. Unusual pieces of Judaica of this sort are extremely difficult to find.

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