Empire Inkstand
Antique 1810s French Empire Desk Accessories
Bronze
Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Inkwells
Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century French Empire Inkwells
Bronze
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Empire Inkwells
Silver
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Inkwells
Bronze
Antique Early 19th Century Russian Empire Inkwells
Bronze
Antique 1810s French Empire Boxes and Cases
Bronze
Antique Early 19th Century Russian Empire Inkwells
Malachite, Bronze
Antique 19th Century Belgian Empire More Desk Accessories
Marble, Bronze
Early 20th Century English Inkwells
Silver
Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Inkwells
Marble, Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Empire Inkwells
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Empire Inkwells
Marble, Bronze
1990s Empire Inkwells
Silver
People Also Browsed
20th Century Russian Neoclassical Vases
Malachite, Ormolu
Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Inkwells
Marble, Bronze
Early 20th Century American American Classical Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century German Figurative Sculptures
Sterling Silver
Mid-20th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Ceramics
Gold Leaf
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Porcelain
Ceramic
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Empire Chandeliers and Pendants
Crystal, Rock Crystal, Metal
Antique 19th Century Chandeliers and Pendants
Crystal
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Empire Chairs
Upholstery, Giltwood
Antique 16th Century Italian Renaissance Inkwells
Maiolica
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Empire Decorative Art
Wood
20th Century French Art Nouveau Inkwells
Brass, Bronze
20th Century German Belle Époque Dinner Plates
Porcelain
20th Century Empire Revival Desks and Writing Tables
Leather, Birch, Burl
Antique Mid-19th Century French Louis XIV Inkwells
Bronze
Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Centerpieces
Ceramic
Recent Sales
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Inkwells
Crystal, Bronze
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Inkwells
Crystal, Bronze
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Table Lamps
Bronze
Antique 1810s French Empire Inkwells
Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century French Empire Inkwells
Crystal, Marble, Bronze
Antique 1870s French Inkwells
Marble, Ormolu
Antique 19th Century French Empire Inkwells
Gold, Gold Plate, Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Inkwells
Bronze
Antique Early 19th Century French Empire Inkwells
Porcelain, Cut Glass
Early 20th Century Spanish Empire Inkwells
Silver
Antique 1820s French Empire Inkwells
Mother-of-Pearl
Empire Inkstand For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Empire Inkstand?
A Close Look at empire Furniture
From 1804–15, Napoléon I reigned as the emperor of France, bringing the country into a new era of opulence after the fall of the monarchy and the tumultuous years of the French Revolution. He declared, “We must have very solid things, made to last 100 years.” Empire-style furniture followed suit, with imposing pieces constructed from mahogany and adorned with gilded ornaments. Expanding on the neoclassicism popularized in the previous century — such as in Louis XVI style — Empire style borrowed from the great civilizations of antiquity, from Egypt to Greece and Rome, to connect this nascent empire to the power of the past.
Napoléon I believed the production of fine furniture would reflect the stature of the republic, with his official architects Charles Percier and Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine leading the way with their work on his residences.
Luxurious materials, symmetrical shapes and bold colors characterize antique Empire-style bedroom furniture, armchairs, cabinets and other structures, with frequent motifs including mythological creatures, geometric designs, acanthus leaves, eagles, bees (the imperial emblem) and swans, a favorite of Empress Joséphine.
Flat surfaces, like marble tabletops, were accented with decadent details, such as the bronze furniture mounts made by sculptor Pierre-Philippe Thomire for the French palaces. Martin-Guillaume Biennais, who worked as the imperial goldsmith, crafted intricate luxury objects that mixed wood, fine metal, mother-of-pearl and ivory. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.
The style became popular abroad, influencing the American Empire style. Stately pieces carved with sprigs of olives by cabinetmaker Pierre-Antoine Bellange were acquired by American President James Monroe for the White House in 1817.
Find a collection of antique Empire tables, lighting, seating and other furniture on 1stDibs.
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.