Inkwells

Finely Crafted Cloisonné Enamel Inkwell in Gilt Bronze France, late 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 6 x 11 x 7 cm Elegant inkwell made of gilt bronze with an elaborately execu...

Finely Crafted Cloisonné Enamel Inkwell in Gilt Bronze France, late 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 6 x 7 x 7 cm Finely Crafted Cloisonné Enamel Inkwell in Gilt Bronze Finely...

A sleek embodiment of refined minimalism, this Modernist Sterling Silver Ballpoint Pen, signed by Angela Cummings and dating to circa 1990, is an outstanding example of late 20th-cen...

This is a 1930s French Art Deco style silvered spelter desk inkwell with wise owl motif. It has the original porcelain insert. The architectural form depicting wonderfully detailed r...

French Art Nouveau Inkwell by Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat, France, circa 1890. A rare and exquisite Art Nouveau inkwell by renowned French ceramist Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat (1844–1910). This finely crafted piece showcases Dalpayrat’s signature red copper-glazed stoneware, especially rich and luminous near the base. Elegantly mounted in pewter, the design exemplifies the organic flow and refined detail of the Art Nouveau period. Dimensions: Height: 3.54 in. (9 cm) Diameter: 5.12 in. (13 cm) Materials: Stoneware with pewter mount Condition: Excellent+++++, museum-quality preservation Markings: Incised signature "Dalpayrat 1500" under the base (see photo) This inkwell is a collectible example of French ceramic art at the turn of the century—perfect for collectors of Art Nouveau, 19th-century French ceramics, or the works of Dalpayrat. Adrien Dalpayrat (1844–1910): A Pioneer of French Ceramic Innovation Adrien Dalpayrat was a French ceramicist and researcher who played a key role in the revival of stoneware at the end of the 19th century. Born in 1844 in Limoges, Dalpayrat studied drawing and porcelain painting in his hometown before beginning his professional career at the Jules Vieillard faience factory in Bordeaux. There, he met his wife, Marie Tallerie, with whom he had two sons—Albert and Adolphe—who would later become his primary collaborators. Throughout his early career, Dalpayrat worked for several major ceramic manufacturers, including Ashwin (Valentine), Fouquet (Toulouse), François Blanc (Monaco), and Léon Sazerat (Limoges). In 1889, seeking greater independence, he moved to the Paris region and established his own studio in Bourg-la-Reine. Collaborations and Artistic Evolution Dalpayrat’s creative vision expanded through his collaboration with sculptor Alphonse Voisin-Delacroix. Together, they explored neo-Gothic and Palissy-inspired motifs, creating a remarkable ceramic bestiary. Following Voisin-Delacroix’s death in 1893, Dalpayrat partnered with Adèle Lesbros, which marked a shift in his work toward simpler, more refined vase forms influenced by Japonism. Japanese art had been introduced to France during the 1867 Universal Exhibition, but it wasn’t until the 1878 Exhibition, particularly through the ceremonial stoneware used in the Japanese tea ceremony, that Japonism truly captivated French artists. This influence led Dalpayrat to create vessels with organic, vegetal, and animal-inspired forms. Technical Mastery: The Secrets of Copper Red Among all the ceramists of his time who sought to replicate the elusive Chinese “sang de boeuf” (oxblood) glaze, Adrien Dalpayrat was arguably the most successful. He didn’t simply reproduce the legendary copper red—he transformed it. By manipulating glaze thickness, firing temperature, atmosphere, and copper oxide content, he developed a unique palette of flamed and mottled red glazes that became his signature: the renowned Dalpayrat red. He further enriched his pieces by introducing streaks and inclusions of turquoise, blue, green, and yellow—freeing the red glaze from monochromy and turning it into an expressive, living surface. His work pushed stoneware beyond function into expressive art, merging form and glaze in bold, sculptural harmony. Beyond Ceramics: Bronze Mounts and Architectural Works Dalpayrat also collaborated with renowned jewelers such as Ernest Cardeilhac and Keller to produce pieces mounted in gilt bronze, blending ceramics with decorative arts at the highest level. In an effort to make his work more accessible, he opened a second faience workshop focused on simpler, more affordable pieces inspired by Nevers and Rouen ware. However, this venture faced financial difficulties and closed by 1900. The main family studio followed in 1906 as the popularity of Art Nouveau declined. Dalpayrat then returned to Limoges, devoting his final years to painting and drawing until his death in 1910. Legacy and Recognition Despite financial struggles during his lifetime, Dalpayrat’s ceramics were widely acclaimed at major international exhibitions: Bronze medal, World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago (1893) Silver medal, Antwerp International Exhibition (1894) Gold medal, Exposition Universelle, Paris (1900) Today, his work is part of prestigious museum collections. In 2020, the Petit Palais in Paris acquired a large bird motif vase created in collaboration with Voisin-Delacroix, now on view in Room...

This exceptional Art Deco fountain pen, crafted by Esterbrook in America circa 1935, embodies the sleek geometric design principles of the period...

Antique Silver Inkwell & Document Box. No apparent hallmarks so we are assuming this is silver plate.

Very precious Italian inkwell and signature pad with original paper. It's made with very rare portoro marble, particular for its black with brown and gold veins. Price is for the com...

Antique American Bronze Black Americana Sculpture Johnny Griffin Inkwell American Bronze, glass c. 1900 Dimensions: H x W x D: 6.5cm x 8.5cm x ...

A fine quality Georgian III period silver plated inkstand by celebrated English silversmith Matthew Boulton, displaying all of the timeless eleganc...

Great Baccarat inkwell with extensive crystal cut. Places for pens are at each side. France, late 19th century. .

Maitland-Smith Egyptian Revival inkwell desk set featuring a tomb form stamp box with a sphinx mounted on either side. The front section has a recessed pen tray. The piece is made of...

Cut Crystal Inkwell with Hinged Silver-Plated Lid England or France Cut crystal, silver-plated metal Late 19th century Dimensions: H × W × D: 7 × 5 × 5 cm Description: A compact i...

Little is known about the origins of this amazing piece, apart from it being from France, circa 1900. Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, ...

Large Victorian inkwell by William Comyns. This has a repousse sterling design over a heavy crystal inkwell. The hinged lid is monogrammed with a JP. The piece is dated 1895.

This is an early 20th century highly decorative French gilt bronze, malachite and faux malachite inkstand with dual inkwells. The base is a mix of faux malachite and malachite veneer...

The lacquer ground with a strong burgundy undertone. Well carved , colored and other wise decorated . The porcelain well in good Antique condition . Minor wear due to age and use .

Inkwell with Enamel Decoration and Onyx Plate Origin: Probably France Material: Gilded metal, champlevé enamel, onyx Date: Circa 1870–1890 Dimensions: H × W × D: 9 × 12 ×13 cm Des...

Victorian English Brass Figural Pig Inkwell with Articulated Back Lids, c. 1875 Consists of four pieces, The figural pig, glass inkwell with domed brass cap, A small porcelain cup fo...

Quality antique Victorian Staffordshire Greyhound inkwell having a greyhound laying on a shaped blue coloured base, hand painted in wonderful blue an...

Stunning early Art Nouveau threaded iridescent art glass inkwell, circa 1900s. The piece features a gorgeous array of rainbow iridescence from pinks to ...

This Modernist Sterling Silver Ballpoint Pen with a sculptural clip, signed by the prestigious Tiffany & Co., is a remarkable blend of minimalistic elegance and functional design...

A fine and early Regency period rosewood writing desk set beautifully decorated with delicate mother-of-pearl foliate inlay and complete with its original cut-glass inkwells. This el...

Amazing group of vintage glass inkwells including: Round bulbous form blue ink well with glass hinged lid, brass collar, controlled air bubbles. Unmarked. Heavy piece with thick wal...

A wonderful and rare large figural inkwell, beautifully executed in the form of an Owl with fine detail. The hinged head lifts to reveal a fitted ink chamber which looks to be a ...

Inkwell with Cloisonné Enamel Origin: France Material: Bronze with polychrome cloisonné enamel Date: Circa 1870–1890 Dimensions: H × W × D: 8 × 8 × 8 cm Description: This small in...

Exquisite antique Worcester porcelain desk inkstand and cover in "dragons in compartments" or "bengal tiger" pattern. A stunning piece of English Regency chinoiserie in imari palette...

Art Nouveau green iridescent art glass inkwell, ca 1900 An inkwell with green iridescent blown glass with gilded Art Nouveau decorations. The patina on the sides of the decorations ...

An Art Deco Swedish hammered silver ink well with silver pen. It is a complete set made and marked by the same maker Kynning Silvervaruverkstad GV ...

Art Nouveau style brass inkwell, France, circa 1900, with an elegant and symmetrical design typical of late 19th-century aesthetics. This piece features an architectural composition, with two side compartments shaped like basins and a central vertical element that serves as a handle or support. The brasswork reveals subtle variations in patina, ranging from bright gold to more matte shades. The decorative details, particularly the undulating motifs and curved lines, evoke the organic influence characteristic of Art Nouveau. Both a functional antique object and a refined decorative piece, this inkwell will add a touch of elegance to a desk or library. Style : Art Nouveau Belle Époque Antique Decorative Organic Main Features : Brass Inkwell France, circa 1900 Symmetrical Design Two Side Compartments Central Vertical Element (Hole or Stand) Wavy Decorative Motifs Beautiful Antique Patina Antique and Decorative Desk Item Keywords : antique brass inkwell...

Cut Crystal Inkwell with Silver-Plated Screw Cap England Cut crystal, silver-plated metal Early 20th century Dimensions: H × W × D: 6.1 × 4.2 × 4.2 cm Description: A small, well-p...

Vintage 1960's pen holder in the form of a Dalmatian made in the Staffordshire region of England. The Dalmatian is recumbent, with front legs crossed in an elegant fashion, and sitt...

A heavy antique brass ship captain’s inkwell. 2 ¾ inches wide by 2 ¾ inches tall

A magnificent, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver inkstand / desk standish; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection This magnificent, fine and impressive antique Victorian inkstand...

A quite stunning French green glass inkwell of substantial size, with extremely elegantly worked neoclassical mounts, intricate scrolling .The level of detail on this piece is quite...

Handsome sterling silver antique inkwell has a lovely, simple design and was made by William Harrison Walter, circa 1905. It has a high polished profile, with a hinged lid and is wei...

Antique Art Deco Green Onyx Gold Champlevé Enamel Office Inkwell Ink Pen Stand Continental Onyx, metal, champlevé enamel c. 1920 Dimensions: H x W x D: 10.5cm x 16.5cm x 12.5cm T...

A large antique green and silver mercury glass Inkwell by W. Lund of London, circa 1890s. The well is bell shaped with a brass hinged lid. There is a metal medallion under glass ...

Inkwell with Integrated Pump Mechanism Origin: France Material: Brass, porcelain, nickel-plated metal Date: Circa 1900 Dimensions: H × Ø: 8 × 14 cm Description: This French inkwel...

This piece of nineteenth-century French elegance is sure to be the envy of any collector. The Napoleon III gilt bronze inkwell is a prized find, crafted in circa 1840 France with int...

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...

Black and white glass ink well Brass nickel platend

A 19th century French inkwell in Champlevé enamel and bronze, mounted on an integrated tray with pen holders, in the Napoleon III style. This elegant desk accessory showcases the cr...

An Exceptionally Fine Quality English Well Figured Solid grained Mahogany Officers Campaign Style Traveling Writing Slope of outstanding quality and unusually large size. First quart...

Circa 1850 Middle Eastern Islamic brass inkwell & pen case (Qalamden). Solid brass with cast parts. The case's sides are engraved with geometric designs. 9.5" x 2 1/8" x 1.5" h. Whi...

French Art Deco Dodo Bird Inkwell by Maurice Frécourt, 1920s A striking and highly decorative French Art Deco inkwell by the noted sculptor Maurice Frécourt (1890–1961), created dur...

Antique French Heavy Glass Hand Blown Lidded Inkwell Impressive handblown clear glass heavy inkwell with bronze lid. The robust mushroom shaped inkwell is created with heavy handblo...

A limited-edition Parker Doufold Mandarin fountain pen with its original box, information and presentation paperwork. In bright Mandarin yellow with black details, 18K gold nib and g...

Townshend Art Metal Workers. Birmingham. An Anglo-Japanese brass pen/quill tray with a pair of porcelain inkwells decorated with cherry blossoms. Impressed makers mark.

Antique Siena Marble and Ormolu Inkwell c.1900 A good quality desk inkwell, circa 1900, set in warm Siena marble with gilt bronze mounts in the neoclassical style. The hinged domed ...

Faceted Amethyst Glass Inkwell with Brass Lid Origin: France Material: glass, brass Date: circa 1900 Dimensions: H × D: approx. 6 × 12 c...

Stunning early Art Nouveau iridescent art glass inkwell, circa 1900s. The piece features a gorgeous array of rainbow iridescence from greens to blues to...

A Chinese Ink Box crafted from bronze, with engraved Chinese characters from the early 20th century. This item may also be used to store a collection o...

19th-century dore gold stag double ink well is an elegant and ornate piece crafted with a sense of luxury typical of the era. The glass Jars with delicate tops make this piece except...

German Shepherd Dog Crystal Inkstand / Inkwell Desk Piece Desk decorative inkwell. The base of the inkstand is made of clear crystal, intricately cut glass with a pattern that reflec...

This whimsical Jugendstil desk inkwell is cast as a grotesque bird, featuring a long hinged beak lid and rounded body raised on three webbed feet. Designed by Joseph Reinemann’s Muni...

Vintage Sheaffer Fountain Pen and Ballpoint Pen Set in 12K Gold Filled Diamond Pattern, USA, circa 1970 Elegant vintage two-piece writing set by Sheaffer, dating from the late 1960s...

Large antique Black Forest (Schwarzwald) pen holder featuring two inkwells and a central bear figure; handcrafted from wood around the turn of the century (c. 1900) in Southern Germa...

English Inkwell with Faceted Crystal Body Origin: United Kingdom, Birmingham Material: Cut crystal, sterling silver mount Date: 1905 Dimensions: H × Ø: 13 × 9 cm Description: This...

An Art Nouveau sterling silver pocket watch inkwell dating to 1912. The square glass inkwell is cut with a diamond quilt pattern and mounted with ...