Antique Victorian Novelty Carved Oak Cat Inkwell with Glass Eyes, circa 1860
Located in Nottingham, GB
Victorian Carved Oak Cat Inkwell with Glass Eyes, circa 1860–1880 Material: Country oak, brass and glass A charming and unusual Victorian novelty inkwell dating from circa 1860–188...
Brass
Antique Inkwell, Bronze, Late 19th Century, Dog and Cat
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful inkwell made of bronze. Depicted is a doghouse with a dog barking at the cat on the roof.
Bronze
Black Forest inkwell cat in boot Swiss Antique 19th Century hand carved glass
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous most rare Swiss Black Forest 19th century Inkwell / desk accessory fully hand carved displaying a cat in a boot.
Glass, Wood
Late 19th Century French Bronze Inkwell Modelled as a Monkey Castrating a Cat!!
Located in London, GB
Well what can I say about this incredible Inkwell, I have seen many examples from this period that depict monkeys tormenting cats but I have never seen one that is quite this extreme!
Bronze
$1,520Sale Price / set|41% Off
19th Century Black Forest Carved Walnut Dog and Cat Head Inkwells with Pen Rest
Located in Haarlem, NL
I have never seen this before. He has no inkwell insert.
Glass, Bone, Walnut
Art Deco Brass Hagenauer "Cat" Inkwell
By Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Located in Geneva, CH
Humoristic cat shaped brass inkwell, with internal glass container, signed with the usual firm's stamp: "wHw" in a circle and "MADE IN AUSTRIA".
Brass
Pair of Antique Black Forest Cat in Boot Inkwells
Located in Antrim, GB
The expression of the cats that has found a home inside an old boot, is wonderful.
Oak
Antique Sterling Silver Cat Inkwell 1913
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This antique silver cat inkwell is an exceptional gauge of silver, exceptional quality and in exceptional condition.
Sterling Silver
Antique Black Forest Inkwell, Cat, 1920-1930
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful handmade Black Forest inkwell. Around 1920 / 1930. Depiction of a cat. Wood with glass eyes.
Glass, Wood, Nutwood, Walnut
Bronze Inkstand modeled as a stalking cat
Located in Montreal, QC
An amusing large bronze inkstand by Dominic Alonzo, modeled as a cat stalking lovebirds, ready to pounce from a rocky outcrop on a floral bank., On a verde antico marble base raised ...
Marble, Bronze
Stunning Antique English Brass Novelty Inkwell, Cat, circa 1880
Located in Bath, GB
In the form of a wonderful cat in a smart coat and retaining two wonderful glass eyes.
Brass
Sold
H 5 in W 6.75 in D 2.75 in
German Black Forest Carved Wood Cat in Boot inkwell from the Early 1900s
Located in Atlanta, GA
A German Black Forest carved wood cat in boot inkwell from the early 20th century.
Wood
Sold
H 5.12 in W 7.09 in D 3.15 in
Black Forest inkwell cat in boot Swiss Antique 19th Century hand carved glass
Located in Ijzendijke, NL
Gorgeous most rare Swiss Black Forest 19th century Inkwell / desk accessory fully hand carved displaying a cat in a boot.
Glass, Wood
Wooden Cat Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
Wooden cat inkwell
Wood
Old Brass Cat Inkwell Lamp
Located in Los Angeles, CA
C. 1900 brass cat inkwell that was mounted into a lamp many years ago.
19thC Folk Art Jockey Cat Inkwell
Located in Water Mill, NY
Unusual painted folk art inkwell depicting a jockey cat
German Black Forest Carved Wood Cat Inkwell and Pen Holder
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a wonderful German Black Forest Hand carved pen holder. It makes a wonderful desk accessory. It is highly detailed and realistic with glass eyes, originally used as an inkwel...
Wood
19th Century Jockey Cat Figural Inkwell
Located in Water Mill, NY
Unusual 19th century jockey cat figural inkwell
Whimsical Antique 19th Century Cat Top Glass and Bronze Inkwell
Located in Concord, MA
Whimsical Antique 19th Century Cat top Glass and Bronze Inkwell. Cat with glass eyes, glass body of inkwell with impressed mark in sheild (illegible); Diameter: 4 3/8 inches; height...
Bronze
An Austrian Terracotta Cat Circa 1900
Located in London, GB
An Austrian Terracotta Cat Circa 1900 Painted and decorated 22cm by 36cm by 20cm
Terracotta, Paint
Vintage Boho Carved Wood Cat
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Add a charming and whimsical touch to your space with this vintage carved cat figurine. Handcrafted with intricate detailing, this boho-inspired wooden cat showcases natural wood gra...
Wood
$1,994
H 4 in W 4 in D 2.5 in
English Regency Inkwell in Patinated Bronze and Ormolu with Dolphin Mount
Located in London, GB
English Regency patinated bronze and ormolu double inkwell. Set upon a rectangular base with mercury gilt ormolu moulding of "stiff leaf and dart" design. The inkwell holder itself, ...
Bronze, Ormolu
$395Sale Price|30% Off
H 10 in W 5.25 in D 4.5 in
Antique Hubley Art Deco Cast Iron Modernist Black Cat Doorstop Paperweight 10"
By Hubley Manufacturing Company 2
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare antique Art Deco Hubley cast iron modernist black cat door stop. Dimensions: 5.25" x 4.5" x 10" (W x D x H)
Metal
Walter Bosse Brass Bronze Cat Figurine, Baller Austria, 1950s
By Herta Baller, Walter Bosse
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Early 1950s Austrian Bosse Cat Figurine An elegant early 1950s Bosse cat figurine, crafted in Austria and exemplary of mid-century Austrian bronze design. The piece displays Bosse’s...
Bronze
$295
H 5 in W 4 in D 3 in
Vintage Brass Monkey Figurine Valet Tray, Animalier Decorative Catchall Dish
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
A charming vintage monkey figurine valet tray featuring a sculptural standing monkey supporting a shallow rectangular brass-tone dish. This whimsical decorative object combines anima...
Brass, Bronze
Sitting Tuxedo Cat Door Stop Painted Cast Iron, American Folk Art
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage or antique cast iron door stop features a tuxedo cat form with polychrome painted decor. The realistically sculpted cat is depicted sitting with its head turned to a side and...
Metal, Iron
19th Century Austrian Terracotta Cat
Located in High Point, NC
19th century Austrian terracotta cat figure with hand polychromed finish and glass eyes. The cat has a striped coat and is perched on a rocky surface with a red sash around his waist...
Terracotta
$900
H 11.5 in W 9.75 in D 5 in
American Folk Art Door Stop in the Form of a Sitting Cast Iron Tuxedo Cat
Located in Downingtown, PA
Cast Iron Charm: American Folk Art Cat Doorstop This charming piece of American folk art is a cast iron doorstop modeled in the form of a black and white tuxedo cat. Doorstops like ...
Iron
Vintage Herend Hungary Hand-Painted "Puss in Boots" Figurine
By Herend
Located in San Diego, CA
Charming vintage hand-painted porcelain “Puss in Boots” figurine by Herend Porcelain Manufactory of Hungary. The whimsical storybook cat is depicted striding forward in oversized tan...
Porcelain
$850
H 8.4 in W 5.35 in D 2.54 in
Sitting Cat Door Stop Painted Cast Iron Glass Eyes, American Folk Art
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Vintage or antique cast iron door stop features a tabby cat form with painted brown fur and glass eyes. The realistically sculpted cat is depicted sitting with its head turned to a s...
Iron
Vintage Bronze Sporting Dog Pipe Stand with Catchall Tray
Located in San Diego, CA
A handsome vintage pipe stand featuring a finely cast seated sporting dog, likely an English Cocker Spaniel or Setter, mounted above an integrated catchall tray. Executed in a rich d...
Bronze
Italian late 19th century Renaissance Revival Patinated Bronze Inkwell
Located in Firenze, IT
A finely cast Italian Renaissance Revival bronze inkwell dating from the late 19th century. The circular inkwell is supported by three winged figures raised on claw feet, while the l...
Bronze
Terracotta Majolica Cat Bavent Normandy
By Bavent
Located in Austin, TX
Terracotta Majolica Cat Bavent Normandy. H / 7.2inches , L / 4.3 by 3.5 inches.
Terracotta
Wood Black Forest Brienz Carved Walnut Inkwell German Antique, 1890s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic early 1890s Black Forest Brienz wood carved inkwell in form of a walnut on a leaf. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of hand carved wood and gl...
Metal
Italian Majolica Terracotta Cat Figure Sitting on a Pillow
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A charming Italian majolica terracotta cat, beautifully hand-painted and glazed, seated regally upon a decorative pillow. Rich color and expressive detailing bring personality and wa...
Majolica, Terracotta, Paint
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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