Dragon Inkwell
Antique 19th Century European Inkwells
Metal, Bronze
Recent Sales
Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Inkwells
Bronze
Antique Mid-19th Century Russian Inkwells
Bronze
Early 20th Century Chinese Inkwells
Agate, Jade, Metal, Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century German Porcelain
Porcelain
Antique 19th Century French Inkwells
Bronze
Antique 1870s French Napoleon III Inkwells
Bronze
20th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings
Soapstone
Antique Late 19th Century Inkwells
Bronze
Antique Mid-19th Century British Rococo Inkwells
Brass
Antique Late 19th Century European Inkwells
Crystal, Bronze
Early 20th Century Unknown Decorative Objects
Marble, Bronze
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Vintage 1920s Hungarian Other Paintings
Canvas
Antique 19th Century Chinese Beds and Bed Frames
Gold Leaf
Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Wall Lights and Sconces
Iron
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Bronze
20th Century Belgian Gothic Decorative Boxes
Bronze
21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Decorative Bowls
Antler
Antique 18th Century English Neoclassical Console Tables
Alabaster, Marble, Gold Leaf
21st Century and Contemporary French Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
Brass
Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Armchairs
Walnut
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Console Tables
Marble, Steel
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Posters
Paper
Vintage 1920s German Posters
Paper
Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Decorative Art
Other
Antique Late 19th Century Brazilian Romantic Chaise Longues
Wood
20th Century Chinese Vases
Porcelain
Antique 19th Century Swiss Other Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes
Gold
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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