Inkwell (Hagop #3)

Object/Artifact

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MGK Collection

Name/Title

Inkwell (Hagop #3)

Description

Inkwell bearing the mark ՅԱԿ[Ո]Բ. Likely crafted in Aintab by Hagop Boshgezenyan, who began his career in 1841–42 and remained active for several decades. The inkwell is inscribed with the date 1273 AH (1856–57). Boshgezenyan Hagop (active 1840–1872) was the craftsman who most advanced the art of metalwork in his region. Before 1840, he worked as an armorer and was also a master engraver on iron and steel, producing intricately decorated weapons and seals that continue to inspire admiration to this day. He is credited with introducing the inkwell design featuring an integrated pen holder, which he embellished with refined and tastefully executed engravings. Hagop Usta also pioneered the manual polishing technique using a pulley system, a method that became standard among contemporary artisans. A man of learning and cultivated taste, he possessed a notable personal library that included Chamichian’s History of Armenia and Mkhitarist maps printed in Venice, many of which were tragically lost during the events of 1915.

Category

Inkwells

Material

Brass

Created By

garenkazanc@hotmail.com

Create Date

March 1, 2025

Updated By

garenkazanc@hotmail.com

Update Date

October 26, 2025