Vintage Inkwells
6
342
to
47
184
128
341
341
341
71
20
13
8
6
3
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
342
173
31
105
17
10
13
7
1
8
Height
to
Width
to
228
84
80
68
57
243
85
74
51
36
4
4
4
2
2
Sort By
Vintage Hand Painted Inkwell, China Inkwell, Scotland
Located in Vancouver, BC
Vintage hand painted inkwell, China inkwell, Scotland 1930, H315
Scotland 1930
Hand painted inkwell with hinged lid
Lovely hand painted flowers
Nice condition no crack or chips
Mea...
Category
1930s Scottish Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Porcelain
Art deco Porcelain Inkwell by A. Godard for Etling Paris, circa 1930
By Armand Godard, Etling Paris
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Investing in this Art Deco Porcelain Inkwell by A. Godard for Etling Paris, circa 1930, is an opportunity to own a piece of exquisite craftsmanship that encapsulates the essence of t...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Porcelain
French Art Deco Palisander and Pewter Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
French Art Deco palisander and pewter inlaid inkwell with 2 crystal wells.
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Crystal, Pewter
Art Deco Desk Set Ink Wells & Penguin Statue French
By Hippolyte François Moreau
Located in Oakland, CA
Art Deco Desk Set is a captivating blend of timeless elegance and functional design. The centerpiece of this ensemble is the charming Penguin Statue, reminiscent of the iconic design...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Marble, Metal
Daum Nancy Glass Inkwell
Located in New Orleans, LA
This beautiful cameo glass inkwell displays the brilliance of the renowned Daum Nancy, a firm long celebrated for their masterful ability to recreate the beauty of nature in glass. A...
Category
20th Century French Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Glass
French Louis XIV Style Gilt Bronze Foliate Form Inkwell 20thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
French Louis XIV Style Gilt Bronze Foliate Form Inkwell 20thC
Measures- 2.75''H x 7.5''W x 5.75''D
Category
20th Century Louis XIV Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Bronze
20th Century Solid Brass Japanese Pagoda Inkwell
Located in Charlotte, NC
A vintage Asian Japanese decorative desktop inkwell, unbranded. Solid brass in the shape of a pagoda, center inkwell with a hinged lid, flanked on each side by pen rest trays, and ra...
Category
20th Century Japanese Anglo-Japanese Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Writing Case In Bronze And Exotic Wood. 8 pièces
Located in CHALON-SUR-SAÔNE, FR
Ecritoire Art Déco en bronze et bois de corail.
Les encriers, vide poche, presse papier, cachet à cire, coupe papier, base en bois de corail.
Bronze à décor ciselé : femme danseuse ...
Category
1930s European Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Bronze
Inkwell attributed to Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte, Max Ingrand
Located in Lugo, IT
Glass inkwell attributed to a design by Max Ingrand for Fontana Arte
Thank you
Category
1950s Italian Modern Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Glass
Antique Blue Glass Inkwell, Hand-Painted, France, 1930s
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique glass inkwell.
Stong blue colour of the glass and nicely hand painted accents.
Zinc lids.
Category
20th Century French Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Zinc
Antique Art Nouveau Inkwell, Bronze Doré, France, 1900s
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful Art Nouveau Inkwell from France, 1900- 1920s.
This special inkwell is decorated all over with typical Art Nouveau ornaments. The attention to detail is reflected in the pen...
Category
20th Century French Art Nouveau Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Brass, Bronze
Vista Alegre Porcelain Desk Inkwell
By Vista Alegre
Located in Miami, FL
A Vista Alegre Porcelain figurative inkwell. Meticulous detail in the casting and hand painted decoration. Retain all the pieces intact. Circa late 1940s.
Category
1940s Portuguese Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Porcelain
Art Deco Full Desk Set in Marble and Brass, France, 1930s
Located in Paris, FR
Art Deco full desk set in marble and brass, France, 1930s.
Composed by:
2 Inkwells W 29.5 cm x D 18.5cm x H 8 cm
Ashtray W 14 cm x D 14 cm x H 4 cm
Enveloppe opener W 24 cm, D 3 ...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Marble, Brass
1930s Art Deco Sterling Silver Ink Box
By William Comyns & Sons 1
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver Art Deco ink box; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection
This exceptional antique George V ...
Category
1930s British Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Sterling Silver
Vintage Must de Cartier crystal inkwell
By Cartier
Located in NEWARK, GB
A fine vintage Must de Cartier crystal inkwell.
It is a melon shaped inkwell with a chunky ribbed crystal body, reflecting the light beautifully, the Cartier branding to the front i...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Crystal, Silver Plate
Antique Inkwell With Dachshund Sculpture, Brass, Early 20th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Wonderful inkwell made of heavy brass.
Beautifully crafted and decorated with a dachshund figure.
France, early 20th century.
Category
20th Century Unknown Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Glass Desk Inkwell
Located in Nottingham, GB
Art Deco Glass Desk Inkwell
Good condition
Free international shipping.
Category
20th Century Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Glass
Set of Lacquered Vellum Drawing Forms/Desk Accessories, Italy, 20th Century
Located in New York City, NY
Set of Lacquered Vellum Drawing Forms/Desk Accessories, Italy, 20th C.
Elegant vintage drawing forms/desk accessories. The vellum that covers them encompasses many shades of forest ...
Category
20th Century Italian Other Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Animal Skin, Wood
Sculptural Bronze Free-form Inkwell from a New York Socialite Estate
Located in Miami, FL
Sculptural Bronze Free-form Inkwell from a New York Socialite Estate
Offered for sale is a sculptural bronze free-form inkwell from the estate of a New York socialite. She had mult...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Bronze
Vintage Inkwell, Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Vintage inkwell is a decorative object realized in the Mid-20th Century
Silver and glass inkwell.
Fair conditions due to the time
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Silver
Black Glass Ink Well with Brass Accents, Crystal Wells and Dipping Pen
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning Black Glass ink well with two lidded Crystal ink wells. The piece is wonderful and in very good condition. Also rare, both crystal wells are chip free and the piece has t...
Category
20th Century European Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Brass
Art Deco Stoneware Inkwell by Louis Dage, 20th Century
By Louis Dage
Located in Lisbon, PT
A blue, green and gold stoneware desk writing set with four pieces and golden bronze details, with “L DAGE Grés Manganése “ marks at the bottom.
Beautiful and timeless.
Plate/Base:...
Category
20th Century French Art Nouveau Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Bronze
Crystal Inkwell, Italy, 20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Crystal Inkwell with stopper is a beautiful decorative object.
The Inkwell is hexagonal and it is in good condition.
Light oxidation at the base of the stopper.
Category
20th Century Italian Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Crystal
Silver and Glass Double Inkwell & Tray by Parsons Brothers for Tessier London
By Tessier, London 1
Located in Oklahoma City, OK
A beautiful double inkwell desk set by Parsons Brothers for Tessier of London. This silver and glass set features two square-cut glass inkwells, atop a beautiful ornate silver desk t...
Category
20th Century English Elizabethan Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Silver
H 3.5 in W 11.5 in D 6.5 in
Cartier 'Must de Cartier' Crystal Gilt and Silver Mellon Inkwell
By Must De Cartier
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Cartier 'Must de Cartier' Crystal Gilt and Silver Mellon Inkwell
France, Circa 1989
Cartier 'Must de Cartier' crystal gilt and silver mellon inkwell, made in France around 1989. Thi...
Category
Late 20th Century French Modern Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Crystal
Macchina da scrivere Valentine rossa - Ettore Sottsass - Olivetti - 1968
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Milano, MI
Macchina da scrivere Valentine rossa
Descrizione
Macchina da scrivere Valentine disegnata da Ettore Sottsass per Olivetti nel 1968 e prodotta ad Ivrea. Qui presentato il primo modell...
Category
1960s Italian Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Iron
H 4.73 in W 13.78 in D 13.39 in
Pewter Inkstand by Nils Fougstedt for Svenskt Tenn, Sweden, 1930
By Nils Fougstedt, Svenskt Tenn
Located in Örebro, SE
Very rare and amazing pewter inkstand with glass tube by Nils Fougstedt, adorned with a flute playing, crosslegged Pan figurine -1930. Good vintage condition, wear and patina consist...
Category
1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Pewter
Baccarat "Victor Hugo" Crystal Inkwell
By Robert Rigot
Located in New York, NY
French midcentury (1980s-1990s) limited edition (28/450) " Victor Hugo" crystal inkwell with a six-sided shape and a cut star base (signed BACCARAT).
Baccarat Crystal has, from the...
Category
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Crystal
Inkwell with Elephant, 1930s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Inkwell with elephant.
An Art Deco Inkwell with an elephant figurine on top.
A double inkwell - double inkstand with two glass inkwells or ink containers with reliëf lids with a k...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Metal
Sterling Silver Inkwell Made by Gösta Helenius, Ábo Sweden, 1928
Located in Paris, FR
Writing stand, Sterling silver and glass, by Gösta Konstantin Helenius, Ábo Sweden 1928.
Square bottle, bevelled edges, size 6x6 cm, height tot. 9 cm. Weight of the set 200,4 g
A b...
Category
Mid-20th Century Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Sterling Silver
Silver Plate Ink Well with Gallery, Sphinx and Greek Key Details
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A stunning silver plate ink well with two cut crystal ink wells - both capped with a silver top and greek key trim. A center storage piece is presented with a Sphinx removable lid.
...
Category
20th Century English Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Crystal, Silver Plate
Vintage Carved Wooden Inkwell, Shape of a Corn Hush, European 1930, H307
Located in Vancouver, BC
Vintage carved wooden inkwell, shape of a corn hush, European 1930, H307
European 1930
Wood
A carved wooden corn hush with lid top
Opens to reveal a single glass inkwell
H307
Meas...
Category
1930s European Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Wood
Bronze Inkwell, Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Bronze inkwell is an original decorative object realized in the mid-20th century.
A very elegant bronze inkwell decorated with a rampant horse. Includes a couple of ink inkwell.
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Brass
Stone Inkwell, Souvenir from Oran Area, circa 1940, Morocco
Located in Labrit, Landes
Marocain stone inkwell
The sculpture represents a horseshoe surrounded by branches of leaves
The words "Souvenir oranais" are wroten in French on the leaves.
Inside the horseshoe...
Category
1940s Moroccan Mid-Century Modern Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Stone
Vintage Brass Inkwell, Single Inkstand, England 1930, H305
Located in Vancouver, BC
Vintage Brass Inkwell, Single Inkstand, England 1930, H305
England 1930
Single Inkwell With Brass Fitting And Cover
Sitting In A Brass Base
H305
Measures: 3"W x 3"D x 2.25"H.
Category
1930s English Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Brass
Art Deco chrome inkwell
Located in Barnstaple, GB
Circa 1930s a charming chrome on marble depiction of a little girl seated reading a book next to an inkwell. She sits upon a variegated black marble plinth with chased recess for a f...
Category
1930s British Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Chrome
Sterling Silver Inkwell XL Size, Denmark, 1920
Located in Paris, FR
Sterling silver inkwell made in Denmark, 1920.
Very large size silver inkwell holder made of sterling silver, weight 620 grams.
Good condition, some engraving on the silver as seen...
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Silver
Scandinavian Desk Set in Bronze by Gusum, A 5 Pieces Set, Signed
By Gusums Bruk
Located in Paris, FR
A very rare desk set of 5 pieces made by Gosum. Sweden. Signed
Bronze.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Brass, Bronze
British Studio Pottery Brown Glazed Water Dropper or Inkwell
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An unusual and finely hand crafted studio pottery water dropper or inkwell decorated in brown glazes dating from the 20th century. The hand thrown hive shaped vessel stands on a flat...
Category
20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Ceramic
Crystal Pen Holder with Inkwell by Walther Design
By Pukeberg Sweden
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Pukeberg walther glass designed Solifleur rectangular single stem glass. Interesting and particularly striking pieces of Op Art glass . The front features a fun, light-hearted textur...
Category
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Crystal
Silver inkwell , Italy, Mid-20th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Silver inkwell is a vintage silver decorative object.
A beautiful inkweel with stamps realized in the mid-20th Century.
Don't miss this precious object
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Silver
Micro Mosaic Pen Holder
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Micro mosaic Moorish pen holder: simply beautiful ! Elegant sitting on Your desk.
It must not remain near heat sources because the mosaic could be damaged.
Category
Late 20th Century Moroccan Aesthetic Movement Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Enamel
Desk Set in Elegant Art Deco from 1930s
Located in Knivsta, SE
A very elegant desk set in art deco probably from 1930s or earlier. The desk set is made of patinated brass and consists of two parts. An ink stand with pen stand and a rocker blotte...
Category
1930s European Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Brass
George V Presentation Treasury Inkstand
Located in New Orleans, LA
This expertly crafted George V Presentation inkstand was presented to Lionel de Rothschild to commemorate the centenary of the Alliance Assurance Company. The work was forged by reno...
Category
20th Century English Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Silver
Art Deco Desk Set with Ink Wells & Calendar
Located in Oakland, CA
Art Deco desk set with ink wells & calendar. Modernist design with glass base and streamlined metal with black vitrolite glass tops for the ink wells. Excellent simple metalwork thro...
Category
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Metal
20th Century Italian Solid Silver Inkstans Empyre Style
By Arno Fassi
Located in VALENZA, IT
Empire style 800 silver inkstand
The base of the inkstand, completely handmade, is shaped like a "cathedral". The classic "palmettes" of the Empire style have been chiseled around i...
Category
1990s Empire Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Silver
1930s Art Deco Portoro Marble Italian Desk Set
Located in Aci Castello, IT
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...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Marble
Walker & Hall Antique Art Deco Sterling Silver Inkwell
By Walker & Hall
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique George V English sterling silver and glass inkwell made by Walker and Hall, part of our antique silver and glassware collection.
This e...
Category
1930s British Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Silver, Sterling Silver
Hand Carved Wood and Glass Double Inkwells
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a hand carved wood double inkwells with two glass jars. Its base is almost square shaped. Over this base there are two large lions with a lot of hair laying down at each side...
Category
20th Century Unknown Other Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Glass, Wood
Antique Inkwell Tatum’s Standard Crystal Well 3 Pen Quill Rests Hinged Lid
Located in San Diego, CA
Antique Ink Well Tatum’s Standard, crystal well, 3 pen quill rests, hinged lid.
This piece is cast iron and crystal.
It is a beauty!
Category
20th Century American Victorian Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Crystal, Iron
Large Mid Century Glass and Brass Inkwell
Located in Clearwater, FL
A mid century glass inkwell with a hinged brass top. A very stylish design that displays beautifully.
Category
Mid-20th Century Unknown Mid-Century Modern Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Brass
Signed Baccarat Crystal Nautical Inkwell with a Dore Bronze Maiden
By Baccarat
Located in New York, NY
A Rare and Marvelous Signed Baccarat Crystal Nautical Inkwell with a Dore Bronze Maiden and Patinated and Dore Bronze Ink Pots. The body is made up of the finest quality of French ha...
Category
20th Century French Art Nouveau Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Crystal, Bronze
Vintage Mid-Century Geode and Bronze Pen Holder
Located in San Diego, CA
Incredible and unique vintage piece. This piece brings its natural elements to sculptural statues. Raw bronze is artistically handled to form a base that then is encrusted into a geo...
Category
1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Quartz, Bronze
Maitland Smith Bronze Toad Frog Lily Pad Inkwell Pen Holder Sculpture Statue
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Maitland Smith Bronze Toad Frog Seated on Lily Pad Inkwell Pen Holder 18" Sculpture Statue. Item is approx. 20 lbs. Label no longer attached. Circa Late 20th - Early 21st Century. Me...
Category
Late 20th Century Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Bronze
Antique Metal Inkwell, Painted Inkstand, Germany 1930, H301
Located in Vancouver, BC
Antique Metal Inkwell, Painted Inkstand, Germany 1930, H301
Germany 1930
Metal
German Inkwell Stand With Carving To The Front
Lift Up Lid With Chipped Glass Insert
Pen Rest To Th...
Category
1930s German Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Metal
Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund Chamotte Container / Inkwell
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund Chamotte container / inkwell.
Measures 15.5 cm. x 12 cm. x 5 cm.
Beautiful turquoise glaze.
Marked.
In perfect condition.
Category
Mid-20th Century Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Ceramic
Silver Presentation Inkstand by Turner & Simpson Ltd.
By Turner & Simpson Ltd
Located in New Orleans, LA
This superlative silver inkwell was presented to Sir Arthur Steel-Maitland, the United Kingdom’s Minister of Labour, on the occasion of the opening of the Salford Bridge in Birmingha...
Category
20th Century English Other Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Silver
French Art Nouveau Bronze Dore Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
French Art Nouveau (Secessionist-style) bronze dore double inkwell with floral design and green fabric under glass base.
Category
20th Century Art Nouveau Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Bronze
Antique Metal Inkwell, Painted Inkstand, Germany 1930, H300
Located in Vancouver, BC
Antique Metal Inkwell, Painted Inkstand, Germany 1930, H300
Germany 1930
Metal
German Inkwell Stand With Carved Oval Face
Having A Pen Rest
Lift Up Lid With Glass Insert
H300
M...
Category
1930s Scottish Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Metal
Scotty Dog Black Forest Wood Carved Inkwell German Vintage, 1930s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1930s black forest Brienz wood carved inkwell in form of a Scotty Dog. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of hand carved wood and glass eyes. Th...
Category
1930s German Black Forest Vintage Inkwells
Materials
Wood
- 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Vintage Inkwells", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.
Vintage Inkwells For Sale on 1stDibs
An assortment of vintage inkwells is available at 1stDibs. Each of these unique vintage inkwells was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, glass and stone. Vintage inkwells have been made for many years, and versions that date back to the 20th Century alongside those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Vintage inkwells are generally popular furniture pieces, but Art Deco, Art Nouveau and Mid-Century Modern styles are often sought at 1stDibs. There have been many well-made vintage inkwells over the years, but those made by René Lalique, Tiffany Studios and Omar Ramsden are often thought to be among the most beautiful.
How Much are Vintage Inkwells?
Prices for vintage inkwells can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, vintage inkwells begin at $18 and can go as high as $56,588, while the average can fetch as much as $966.
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.
Read More
African Travel Plans on Hold? This Ardmore Leopard Vase Brings the Beauty of the Savanna to You
It’s an excellent example of the sought-after ceramics coming out of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.
With a High-Tech Flagship and Cool Collabs, Lladró Is Breaking the Mold for Porcelain Production
Thanks to its new leadership, the Spanish maker of figurines, busts and lighting is on a mission to update the art of porcelain for the 21st century.
Zoë Powell’s Magnolia 05 Vessel Is Handmade from Clay She Unearthed Herself
The free-form stoneware piece is inspired by the magnolia tree and its associations with home.
8 Ways to Breathe New Life into a Space with Plants
The pair behind the Instagram account @houseplantclub share their tips for making any room of the house gloriously green.
Paris Gallerist Sandy Toupenet Gets Fired Up over 20th-Century Ceramics and Inventive New Makers
Her space on the city’s Left Bank mixes mid-century pieces by the likes of Jean Cocteau and Pablo Picasso with whimsical contemporary creations.
These Soft Sculptures Are Childhood Imaginary Friends Come to Life
Miami artist and designer Gabriela Noelle’s fantastical creations appeal to the Peter Pan in all of us.
This Vivacious Teapot Has Agnes Martin on One Side and Jean-Michel Basquiat on the Other
Ceramist Roberto Lugo brings a street-art sensibility to a dainty serving vessel while paying homage to his artistic heroes.
This Rare Set of 100 Alessi Vases Includes Designs by Scores of International Artists
Alessandro Mendini, Michael Graves, Ettore Sottsass and other design luminaries contributed to this unusual collection of porcelain wares representing a time capsule of late-20th-century decorative art.