Inkwells
1890s German Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Glass, Wood
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells
Bronze, Brass
Early 20th Century German Jugendstil Inkwells
Crystal, Metal, Sterling Silver, Silver
20th Century Japanese Anglo-Japanese Inkwells
Brass
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Marble, Bronze
Early 20th Century Art Deco Inkwells
Brass
1890s English Victorian Antique Inkwells
Sterling Silver
1890s American Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells
Crystal, Sterling Silver
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Bronze
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Bronze
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Bronze
19th Century Egyptian Moorish Antique Inkwells
Brass
19th Century Asian Moorish Antique Inkwells
Brass
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Inkwells
Brass, Bronze
1890s German Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Wood
Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Inkwells
Pewter
Mid-19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Inkwells
Pewter
1930s German Black Forest Vintage Inkwells
Wood
1920s Egyptian Islamic Vintage Inkwells
Brass
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Inkwells
Glass, Wood
1890s German Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Metal
Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Inkwells
Marble, Brass
1890s French Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells
Bronze
19th Century Antique Inkwells
Bronze
1910s French Art Nouveau Vintage Inkwells
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Black Forest Inkwells
Wood
Late 20th Century Italian Baroque Inkwells
Sterling Silver
19th Century French Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Inkwells
Bronze
19th Century French Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Inkwells
Marble
Late 19th Century Antique Inkwells
Crystal, Bronze
20th Century Italian Inkwells
Crystal
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Wood
Mid-20th Century Italian Inkwells
Brass
Early 1900s French Renaissance Antique Inkwells
Brass
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Inkwells
Bronze
Late 20th Century English Inkwells
Brass
Mid-20th Century Mid-Century Modern Inkwells
Silver Plate
Late 19th Century Austrian Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Early 19th Century French Charles X Antique Inkwells
Bronze
1890s German Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Metal
1890s German Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Wood
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Early 1900s German Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Wood
Early 1900s Scottish Edwardian Antique Inkwells
Silver, Sterling Silver
1880s English Victorian Antique Inkwells
Sterling Silver
Early 1900s German Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Porcelain, Glass, Wood
19th Century Antique Inkwells
Sterling Silver
1920s Egyptian Islamic Vintage Inkwells
Brass
Vintage, New and Antique Inkwells
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.