Camel Inkwell
Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Belle Époque Inkwells
Bronze
Early 20th Century Austrian Anglo-Indian Inkwells
Spelter
Early 20th Century Austrian Anglo-Indian Inkwells
Spelter
Antique Early 1900s Austrian Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
Recent Sales
Vintage 1920s Egyptian Islamic Animal Sculptures
Brass
Early 20th Century Austrian Rustic Inkwells
Bronze
20th Century Unknown Inkwells
Early 20th Century Austrian Inkwells
Spelter
Vintage 1940s Israeli Inkwells
Wood
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1980s Animal Sculptures
Wood
Early 20th Century Spanish Folk Art Arms, Armor and Weapons
Wood
20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Cabinets
Wood, Birch
Late 19th Century French School Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
2010s Contemporary Landscape Paintings
Gesso, Canvas, Cotton, Paint, Cotton Canvas, Mixed Media, Oil, Acrylic
Antique 19th Century Syrian Cabinets
Wood, Walnut
Vintage 1970s Italian Other Dry Bars
Glass, Laminate, Cherry, Walnut
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Jars
Ceramic
Antique 1890s Syrian Islamic Chairs
Bone, Shell, Ebony, Walnut
Antique 16th Century Spanish Renaissance Architectural Elements
Pine
17th Century Old Masters Figurative Paintings
Canvas, Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Animal Sculptures
Gold Plate
Late 20th Century French Art Deco Desk Sets
Gold Plate
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Architectural Elements
Iron
Antique 19th Century Belgian Gothic Revival Architectural Elements
Oak
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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