Ink Stand
Ink stand, Inv. No. TMA 1320/12/33, late 20th century AD, Wood and brass, l. 13 cm
This ink stand is made with wood with inlaid decoration, and added pieces of brass. The latter include two receptacles for holding pens, as well as cultural features of Lebanon, which are a replica of the six columns of the Temple of Jupiter at Baalbek (late 1st century BC-1st century AD), which is broken, and the replica of a Phoenician ship, portrayed on a blue line of sea, with a brown body and a sail decorated with the flag of Lebanon. The inlaid decoration is characteristic of wooden decoration in the region of Lebanon, on small items, furniture and interior decoration. The geometric design is characteristic of traditional design in the Arab world. The backgammon board in the collection has similar inlaid decoration. The ink stand is used by people of Lebanese heritage in Australia and elsewhere as a reminder of Lebanon.