A very fine example of a 19th century Ashford Marble inkstand with ring turned inkwell and cover with an acorn finial. The domed pietra base is inlaid with verde d''arno and other semi precious specimen stones. The black blackground is a perfect foil for the white periwinkle flowers and buds and subtle green of the leaves. It stands solidly on three bun type feet . The name Ashford marble is the name given to the dark limestone quarried near Ashford in the Water, Derbyshire. Once cut and polished, the shiny black surface resembles marble, though not a marble in the true geological sense. The marble gained popularity in the 19th Century and there was a thriving industry in Ashford producing souvenirs cut and inlaid with other decorative stones and minerals in the pietra dura manner.This high quality antique inkstand would have been an essential item on a Victorian desk or writing table, Ashford Marble being very desirable and collected at this time for both its practical an...