Bronze inkstand, early-mid 15th century, (1881). Etching of an inkstand with clawed feet, made c1400-1450 in Italy. The object was made to be used, with a compartment for pens and other implements for writing, but it is also finely decorated with lions and stylised floral patterning. From "The South Kensington Museum", a book of engraved illustrations, with descriptions, of the works of art in the collection of the Victoria & Albert Museum in London (formerly known as the South Kensington Museum). [Sampson Low, Marston, Searle and Rivington, London, 1881]