Inkwells
1850s Danish Biedermeier Antique Inkwells
16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Inkwells
Maiolica
Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Early 18th Century European Baroque Antique Inkwells
Sheet Metal
Late 20th Century German Inkwells
Gold Plate
1930s European Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Brass
Early 20th Century Italian Inkwells
Marble, Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwells
Iron
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Inkwells
Uranium Glass
1880s English Victorian Antique Inkwells
Brass
Late 19th Century English Renaissance Antique Inkwells
Metal
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Inkwells
Copper
Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Inkwells
Metal
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Inkwells
Marble, Metal
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Inkwells
Gold, Bronze
Early 1900s French Renaissance Antique Inkwells
Brass
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Inkwells
Bronze
Early 18th Century European Baroque Antique Inkwells
Sheet Metal
Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Inkwells
Marble
Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Inkwells
Bronze
1920s Vintage Inkwells
Glass, Wood, Nutwood, Walnut
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Inkwells
Marble, Gold, Bronze
Early 1900s French Renaissance Antique Inkwells
Brass
1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Brass
19th Century French Grand Tour Antique Inkwells
Brass
1840s French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Bronze
1910s French Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Inkwells
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
1940s Portuguese Vintage Inkwells
Porcelain
15th Century and Earlier Persian Islamic Antique Inkwells
Silver, Bronze
Early 19th Century English Antique Inkwells
Rosewood
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Inkwells
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Inkwells
Crystal
20th Century American Victorian Inkwells
Crystal, Iron
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Inkwells
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Inkwells
Belgian Black Marble, Bronze
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Inkwells
Crystal, Silver Plate
Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Inkwells
Brass, Enamel
1890s Russian Antique Inkwells
Metal
1890s American Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells
Sterling Silver
1950s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Inkwells
Spelter
Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Inkwells
Silver
1890s British Victorian Antique Inkwells
Sterling Silver
15th Century and Earlier Persian Islamic Antique Inkwells
Silver, Bronze
Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Inkwells
Silver Plate
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Inkwells
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Inkwells
Uranium Glass
Early 20th Century French Classical Roman Inkwells
Bronze
Late 19th Century English Georgian Antique Inkwells
Crystal, Sterling Silver
1890s British Late Victorian Antique Inkwells
Brass
Late 20th Century Italian Baroque Inkwells
Sterling Silver
Early 19th Century European Antique Inkwells
Brass, Bronze
19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwells
Brass
Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Inkwells
Brass
Early 20th Century English Art Nouveau Inkwells
Porcelain
1880s English Victorian Antique Inkwells
Sheffield Plate
Early 1900s British Victorian Antique Inkwells
Crystal, Sterling Silver
1860s French Empire Antique Inkwells
Marble
19th Century Victorian Antique Inkwells
Brass, Pewter
19th Century French Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Mid-19th Century Turkish Islamic Antique Inkwells
Brass
Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwells
Marble, Bronze
2010s Italian Inkwells
Resin
Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Inkwells
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Early 1900s French Empire Antique Inkwells
Glass
19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Late 20th Century French Modern Inkwells
Crystal
Early 1900s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Inkwells
Crystal, Silver Plate
Early 20th Century English Victorian Inkwells
Silver, Silver Plate, Copper
19th Century Egyptian Moorish Antique Inkwells
Brass
19th Century French Antique 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.