Early 1900s inkwell or mass produced made in Taiwan?!

Hi everyone! Is brass/gilt bronze (?) inkwell (6.5L x 5"W) was amongst a lot that I won at auction. I have found quite a few online which makes me suspicious that it is a repro. What do you think, is it older? Practically all of the listings claim that theirs are actually Art Nouveau (saying 1890s-1900s) but I can hardly believe that there would be quite so many with the same design. Any input welcome, thank you! (Either way I like the aesthetic and don't mind terribly if it isn't period )

 

I'd be amazed if it wasn't old

Looks genuine from here

 

This would be great, thank you!

 

I think this is the same one, it has a Made in Italy sticker.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/979046...how_sold_out_detail=1&ref=nla_listing_details

 

Old yes, but not terribly valuable or sought after. This was made during the art nouveau era, but in a style 50 years earlier. If you like it because of the aesthetic, good for you, as you'll find that there are lots of companion pieces to be found on the cheap. Find a glass container of some sort that fits it, and you're good to go. Probably gilded originally, so you can polish it if you prefer it.

 

Ah. Not such an old looking label

 

Italian 'antiqued' 19th century Revival piece, probably 1970s.
Italy used to be known in Europe for its many fakes and repros. Since the manufacturer of your inkwell originally added a sticker, it is a genuine repro, not a fake.
It is a pretty piece, and it would be nice if you could find a fitting liner.

 

Thank you! I had a feeling it could be something like that with so many similar floating around. They did a nice job, fooled me!

 

The Italian repro makers and fakers were the best in Europe. Over the years they have fooled many people.
Greek fakers started later, but were never as good. They are known for the 'rustic' style fakes, beat up, which many people think is authentic. They also made many fake bronze nesting apothecary weights, rather crude and not with the required precision weights.

 

Fascinating! Thanks for the info, you truly are an amazing wealth of knowledge.