Victorian Ink Blotter Appraisal

Carved Green Marble or Serpentine Ink Blotter

This item is a decorative desktop ink blotter, hand-carved from a dense, polished stone, likely dark green marble or serpentine. The object features a classic two-piece construction consisting of a turned, ergonomic handle with a wide, flattened top for palm pressure and a convex circular base. The handle is integrated or securely attached to the circular plate, which would typically hold a piece of absorbent blotting paper along its curved bottom surface. The stone displays rich, mottled variegation with shades of forest green, charcoal, and lighter sage veins, characteristic of natural metamorphic rock. The craftsmanship exhibits smooth, lathe-turned contours and a high-gloss polished finish that highlights the stone's natural grain. In terms of condition, the piece shows minor surface abrasions and a small white nick or fleabite on the outer rim of the base, consistent with age and previous use in a library or office setting. The style suggests a mid-20th-century production, likely originating from a region known for stone carving such as Italy or India. There are no visible maker's marks or signatures, which is common for such desk accessories. The weight and cold feel of the stone indicate high-quality natural material rather than a synthetic imitation.