Hare Inkwell
Mid-20th Century Italian Mid-Century Modern Decorative Boxes
Silver Plate
Antique 1880s English Late Victorian Animal Sculptures
Bronze
Antique 1880s English Late Victorian Inkwells
Brass
Antique 1880s English Bookcases
Satinwood
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Antique 1890s German Dinner Plates
Porcelain
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Animal Sculptures
Brass
Antique Early 1900s Italian Art Nouveau Desk Sets
Crystal, Silver
20th Century Biedermeier Secretaires
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French French Provincial Serving Tables
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century Czech Japonisme Decorative Boxes
Enamel
Antique 1790s American Hepplewhite Drop-leaf and Pembroke Tables
Brass
Antique Early 1900s Italian Art Nouveau Desk Sets
Crystal, Silver
Antique Early 19th Century English George III Secretaires
Brass
Vintage 1960s Japanese Edo Prints
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Inkwells
Bronze
Early 20th Century German Jugendstil Inkwells
Crystal, Metal, Sterling Silver, Silver
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Secretaires
Marble
Antique 18th Century Turkish Abstract Sculptures
Leather, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century British Arts and Crafts Decorative Boxes
Leather, Oak
Early 20th Century European Black Forest Animal Sculptures
Brass
Recent Sales
Antique 1840s Empire Inkwells
Brass
Antique 19th Century French Inkwells
Crystal, Bronze
Antique 1890s Swiss Black Forest Inkwells
Wood
Finding the Right inkwells for You
Now that we no longer need vintage, new or antique inkwells for written communication, these elegant desk accessories make for a distinctive decorative touch in any home office or study.
Prior to the 19th century, the inkwell was an integral part of the writing process. The first fountain pen was patented in 1827. Typewriters found acceptance during the 1880s, and the ballpoint pen, which replaced the inkwell on most desks and writing tables of the era, modernized the way we write. (Later, it would transform how some of us make art.) Today, a well-designed antique or vintage inkwell is a fun, decorative accent for any work area.
If you find yourself working from home today more often than not, why not freshen things up a bit? Small changes can help elevate your workspace: Incremental edits to your interior, such as rethinking your shelving, swapping out your wall decor and adding a touch of the past to your modern-day desktop, can actually make a big difference. Alongside an ornate Art Deco–era desk lamp and an antique paperweight, your inkwell will look right at home and can support your effort to create a happy home office.
Find a collection of unique metal inkwells to suit any taste on 1stDibs or shop by style. Browse a range of Art Nouveau inkwells, Victorian inkwells, Art Deco inkwells and more. Search our selection of inkwells to find the perfect piece for any space.
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