A sumptuous majolica inkwell with a square-based pyramid structure divided into three overlapping tiers, one side of which houses the (posthumous) drawers for writing utensils. Resting on four lion-shaped feet, it culminates in an ovoid inkwell, supported by four sculpted heraldic shields, modeled as cartouches and decorated with the coat of arms of the noble Tuscan Minerbetti family.
The sides of the inkwell are modeled with pods, while the corners are adorned with sculpted harpies.
The decoration, in the compendiario style, consists of slender plant shoots painted in blue, yellow, and orange on a white background.
Faenza;  late 16th-early 17th century.