The inkstand was donated to the museum by Yuliya Smirnova, a resident of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, in 1998. It is decorated beautifully, although rather modestly by the standards of its time.
The lids of the inkwells and the stand are made of bronze. The stand with an ornately-shaped edge rests on four round feet. On each side, it has a square indentation with borders where the two inkwells are placed. The front side of the stand is decorated with patterns and the image of an angel created using the technique of shallow engraving without inlaying other metals or foreign materials. The lids of the inkwells are cone-shaped, resembling tower roofs.
An inkstand is a desk set of writing utensils, decorated in one style. All inkstands included a stand and an inkwell. In total, a writing set could include up to nine items, such as a glass pen and pencil holder, a pen wiper, a servant bell, a paperweight, and candlesticks.
In the 17th century, when exchanging private letters became fashionable among high society in Europe, a writing set was transformed into a piece of desk décor. Craftsmen created writing instruments for every taste: massive and elegant, minimalistic and luxurious. Often writing sets were decorated with the coat of arms or monogram of their owner. Some also featured clocks, mirrors, and small secret drawers.
Inkstands were made of white or gray marble or limestone. An inkstand usually had a rectangular base, with a groove for pens and indentations for inkwells. Often it was decorated with interesting details, such as a lyre. Most inkwells were made of marble, glass, or metal.
Anton Chekhov had an inkstand in every study. The writer sent several letters a day — and received even more. He carefully sorted all letters, classified them by sender, and stored the letters tied with a ribbon. At the age of 29, he wrote,
