AN IRISH BOG OAK OWL INKWELL

Irish bog oak refers to ancient oak and other woods, which have been preserved in peat bogs and gain a dark surface upon exposure to air. The carving of bog oak was popular in 19th century Ireland, prized for its dark color, hardness and ability to achieve a high polish. The carver of the present lot, famed Kerryman, Cornelius Goggin, was bog oak carver to Queen Victoria. Two similar examples, each with a Goggin label include one at the National Museum of Ireland and another sold Anonymous sale; Hegarty's, Cork, 19 February 2012, lot 83.