Male Nude Inkwell
Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Nouveau Inkwells
Bronze
Antique 19th Century English Grand Tour Desk Sets
Bronze, Ormolu
Antique Early 19th Century European Neoclassical Figurative Sculptures
Malachite
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Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Vases
Bronze
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vases
Art Glass
Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Baroque Figurative Sculptures
Majolica
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Nude Sculptures
Marble, Bronze
Antique 19th Century English Georgian Lanterns
Copper, Lead, Tôle
Antique 19th Century French Mannerist Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
Antique 19th Century European Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
Antique Early 1900s German Art Deco Figurative Sculptures
Ceramic, Organic Material, Acrylic, Plaster
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Busts
Bronze
Vintage 1960s Scandinavian Mid-Century Modern Vases
Pottery
Antique 19th Century French Rococo Busts
Carrara Marble, Siena Marble
Antique 19th Century French Empire Beds and Bed Frames
Gold Leaf, Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century French Renaissance Figurative Sculptures
Marble, Bronze
Antique 19th Century English Arts and Crafts Boxes
Copper, Enamel
Vintage 1950s Swedish Vases
Glass
Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Vases
Clay
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century European Inkwells
Bronze
Antique 19th Century French Louis XVI Inkwells
Marble, Ormolu
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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