Skip to main content

Vintage Metal Inkwell

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
Category

1930s Scottish Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal

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
Category

1930s German Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal

Inkwell with Elephant, 1930s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Inkwell with elephant. An Art Deco Inkwell with an elephant figurine on top. A double inkwell
Category

Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal

Vintage Inkwell with Elephant, 1930s
Inkwell with Elephant, 1930s
H 6.3 in W 13.39 in D 7.09 in
Vintage Brass Moroccan Double Inkwell
Located in San Diego, CA
Double inkwell with brass latched cover with hinged open mechanism. Colorful and intricate patterns
Category

1960s Moroccan Moorish Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal

Hand-Carved Wooden Inkwell Desk Set with Owl Figures, 1930s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Beautiful Black Forest style hand-carved wooden double inkwell with a majestic owl figure sitting
Category

1930s German Black Forest Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal

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
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Crystal

Art Deco Desk Set Ink Wells & Penguin Statue French
By Hippolyte François Moreau
Located in Oakland, CA
attention to detail, this set features two ink wells adorned with intricate metal design details accented by
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Marble, Metal

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
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal

English Silver Plate Mid Horse Hoof Inkwell and a Silvered Metal Mtd.Tusk Candle
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
English Silver Plate Mounted Horse Hoof Inkwell and a Silvered Metal Mounted Tusk Candlestick The
Category

20th Century Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Silver

Jacques Adnet Art Deco Chrome Double Inkwell, France 1930s
By Jacques Adnet
Located in Atlanta, GA
French designer Jacques Adnet (1901 - 1984) designed this elegant Art Deco modernist chromed metal
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Dolphin Fish Inkwell, Candlestick, Blotter Desktop Set, Silver Plated, Sweden
Located in Nuernberg, DE
Classic 1930s dolphin fish desktop accessories inkwell, blotter and candlestick set. Made of silver
Category

20th Century Swedish Hollywood Regency Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Silver Plate

Art Deco Macassar Wood and Chrome Desk Accessory Inkwell and Blotter
Located in Atlanta, GA
built with a double inkwell and a matching blotter. The sleek geometric shape has carved and shaped
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal, Chrome

Four Animal Figurative Statues 19-20 century various metal medium
Located in Florence, IT
Group of 4 small objects in different metals composed of: 1 dog shape inkwell in bronze 1 boar copy
Category

20th Century Other Art Style Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal, Silver, Bronze, Iron

Nine-Piece Gilt-Metal and Stone-Inlaid Assembled Desk Set 20th Century
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A nine-piece gilt-metal and stone-inlaid assembled desk set 20th century comprising an inkwell, a
Category

20th Century Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Agate

A 1930s High Quality Art Deco Wood and Chromed Metal French Desk Set
Located in Aci Castello, IT
Stylish desk set made in France, it's in wood and metal, composed by an inkstand and a mail holder
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Steel

Art Deco French Portoro Marble Desk Set
Located in Prato, Tuscany
desk set in polished black marble; the massive inkwell with an elongated octagonal shape, has a
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Marble

Art Deco French Portoro Marble Desk Set
Art Deco French Portoro Marble Desk Set
H 3.94 in W 13.78 in D 8.27 in

People Also Browsed

1930s Fabulous Industrial Adjustable Wood Table Hand Crank Metal Base
Located in Chula Vista, CA
Old Adjustable Table 1930s Fabulous Sculptural Industrial Wheeled Wood Table Adjustable Tilt with Hand Crank Metal Base Adjustable height useful as Lectern, Drafting, Music Stand, S...
Category

1930s Industrial Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal

Antique Hand Painted German Marriage Armoire
Located in Sag Harbor, NY
Late 18th Century/Early 19th Century hand painted burgundy wedding armoire 68.5″H x 22″D x 45″ W
Category

Late 18th Century German Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Wood, Paint

Middle Eastern Persian Micro Mosaic Khatam Inlaid Jewelry Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Large Middle Eastern Indo-Persian Micro Mosaic Khatam Inlaid Wooden Jewelry Box. Middle Eastern Persian Sadeli micro mosaic marquetry inlaid box with geometric Moorish design. Handcr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Indian Moorish Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Fruitwood

Mahogany Writing Desk
Located in Cheshire, GB
Mahogany and fruitwood inlaid ladies writing desk. The superstructure with central shelf flanked by sloped lidded piers, each with a single drawer. The shaped molded edge top with in...
Category

Early 20th Century British Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Wood

Mahogany Writing Desk
Mahogany Writing Desk
H 36.5 in W 36 in D 21 in
Baroque Style Brass Inkwell Set and Letter Holder Stand
Located in Doylestown, PA
Baroque style solid brass double inkwell set with letter holder, c. 1900-1910. A gorgeous desktop accessory ornately adorned with cherubs, flowers and scrolling acanthus leaves. In...
Category

Early 1900s European Baroque Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Middle Eastern Moorish Mother of Pearl Inlaid Marquetry Jewelry Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Middle Eastern Moorish Mother of Pearl Inlaid Marquetry Jewelry Box. Exquisite middle Eastern Moorish Syrian inlay jewelry box covered with fine Moorish micro mosaic marquetry. Beaut...
Category

Mid-20th Century Lebanese Islamic Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Fruitwood

Vintage Middle Eastern Moorish Mosaic Marquetry Inlay Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Middle Eastern Moorish wooden jewelry box inlaid with marquetry. Middle Eastern box handcrafted in very fine Moorish micro mosaic diamonds, and a continuous hexagonal and fl...
Category

Early 20th Century Asian Moorish Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Fruitwood

Middle Eastern Mosaic Wood Box with Inlays of Mother of Pearl, C. 1950s
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Middle Eastern Mosaic wood box with Inlays of bone and mother of Pearl, C. 1950s Exquisite handcrafted Egyptian decorative wood box with mosaic marquetry design. Vintage Moorish st...
Category

Mid-20th Century Egyptian Moorish Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Fruitwood

Moroccan Moorish Middle Eastern Inlaid Micro Mosaic Backgammon and Chess Board
Located in Studio City, CA
Stunning mosaic design and gorgeous craftsmanship. The Moroccan or Syrian board / box is made of various wood inlays. A genuine work of art. A set of backgammon and chess pieces are ...
Category

20th Century Moorish Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Wood

Moroccan Moorish Middle Eastern Large Inlaid Wood Micro Mosaic Jewelry Box
Located in Studio City, CA
Stunning mosaic design, this intricate wood box is made from multiple micro pieces of wood with some possible bone inlays. Gorgeous craftsmanship. A true work of art. Would be a ...
Category

20th Century Moorish Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Wood

1940s Mother of Pearl Inlaid Decorative Middle Eastern Islamic Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage 1940s Mosaic Mother of Pearl Inlaid Decorative Middle Eastern Islamic Box. Mosaic Luxury Decorative Middle Eastern Islamic Vanity Box. Middle Eastern Asian Mosaic Wood Box wi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Lebanese Moorish Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Bone, Shell, Abalone, Fruitwood

Antique Inkwell, Baccarat Déposé, Gilded Brass, Late 19th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional inkwell with pen tray made of BACCARAT crystal. The rectangular pen tray has a cube-shaped inkwell holder in the center, closed with a gilded brass hinge. There is a reli...
Category

Late 19th Century Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass

Large Middle Eastern Moorish Turkish Mother-of-pearl Inlaid Chest
Located in Bradenton, FL
A large Turkish mother-of-pearl inlaid chest inlaid throughout to show foliate scrolls and geometric forms, raised on four legs. From the 16th century onwards the dominant influence...
Category

20th Century Syrian Moorish Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Bone, Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Vintage Middle Eastern Persian Khatam Trinket Box with Miniature Art Painting
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Vintage Middle Eastern Khatam Art Painting Miniature on hexagonal shape trinket box. Hand painted, lacquered wooden Moorish micro mosaic marquetry inlaid tobacco or trinket Box. Ha...
Category

Mid-20th Century Asian Islamic Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Fruitwood

Mid-Century French Signed Lalique Frosted Crystal Sparrow Sculptures, Set of 4
By Marc Lalique
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a shelf or a desk with this set of vintage bird sculptures. Created in France by Lalique circa 1970, each frosted crystal bird is signed on the base; it includes "Le Moineau...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Crystal

Middle Eastern Moorish Inlaid Chess Board Box
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Handcrafted marquetry Middle Eastern wood inlay with micro mosaic and mother of pearl. Handcrafted Moorish wooden box with very delicate micro mosaic marquetry from the ancient Persi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Lebanese Moorish Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Mother-of-Pearl, Wood

Recent Sales

Tiffany & Co. Sterling & Mixed Metal Inkwell
By Charles L. Tiffany
Located in New York, NY
metal Tiffany & Co. very unusual brass and sterling inkwell, bee hive shape with sterling paw feet and
Category

20th Century American Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Mixed Metal

Loetz Iridescent Glass Inkwell, circa 1910
Located in Whitburn, GB
Description A Loetz glass inkwell. A short body with moulded veins in a spiral form. A metal mount
Category

20th Century European Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Blown Glass

Vintage Loetz Iridescent Glass Inkwell, circa 1910
Loetz Iridescent Glass Inkwell, circa 1910
Free Shipping
H 2.25 in W 5.2 in D 5.2 in
Just Andersen Bronze Patina Disko Metal Inkwell With Worm Decoration #D160
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Just Andersen bronze patina, weighty Disko metal inkwell with worm decoration. Circa 1930's Stamped
Category

1930s Danish Art Deco Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal

Just Andersen "Disko Metal" Writing Set/Inkwell, Number D 1312
Located in Copenhagen, DK
GJust Andersen "disko metal" writing set/inkwell, number D 1312. Stamped. Good condition, fine
Category

1950s Danish Art Deco Vintage Metal Inkwell

American Art Deco Inkwell
Located in San Francisco, CA
An American Art Deco period inkwell with a pair of patinated metal racing greyhounds mounted on a
Category

1930s American Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Marble, Metal

American Art Deco Inkwell
American Art Deco Inkwell
H 4.5 in W 9.5 in D 4.5 in
Art Deco Marble Double Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco era inkwell and tray, comprised of colored marble, including two raised inkwell with
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Marble, Brass

Art Deco Marble Double Inkwell
Art Deco Marble Double Inkwell
H 4.5 in W 19 in D 4 in
20th Century French Rosewood and Glass Inkwell, 1960s
Located in LEGNY, FR
Inkwell in rosewood and glass from the 1950s in good condition. The two glass inkwells are
Category

1960s French Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal

Inkwell by Just Andersen, Denmark, circa 1930
Located in New York, NY
Patinated diskometal, Andersen’s signature alloy, with a dome cap, glass well, and square basin. Marked on the underside with Andersen’s monogram and model number. OUR REFERENCE N...
Category

1930s Danish Art Deco Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal

German Cold Painted Figural Inkwell of Resting Fox, H. Meinhardt
Located in Shippensburg, PA
GERMAN SCHOOL COLD PAINTED METAL SCULPTURAL INKWELL OF A RECUMBENT FOX Signed "H. Meinhardt" along
Category

20th Century German Romantic Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal

Arts & Crafts Bronze & Art Glass Inkwell after Tiffany, 20th C
By Tiffany Studios
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Arts & Crafts inkwell in the manner of Tiffany Studios offers bronze construction of
Category

20th Century American Arts and Crafts Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal, Bronze

French Art Deco Chromed Inkwell, Deer Motif on Marble Base
Located in Victoria, BC
sleek, polished finish. The inkwell is made of chromed metal, a popular material for Art Deco objects
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Marble, Chrome

20th Century German Wmf Silver Double Inkwell With Aeroplane Theme, c.1920
By WMF Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
Antique early 20th Century German silver plated inkwell designed with a propeller plane detailing
Category

20th Century German Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Silver Plate

Streamline Machine Age Art Deco Desk Set
Located in New York, NY
and ash tray. It is made of polished copper ,brass and patined metal.It has very strong Deco detailing
Category

20th Century Vintage Metal Inkwell

Deco Monkey Inkwell by Max Le Verrier Bou Bou Sculpture
By Max Le Verrier
Located in Oakland, CA
This Deco figurine of a monkey holding an inkwell is amusing and whimsical, but it also happens to
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Mid-Century Tubular Metal and Wooden Top School Desk, Industrial in Design
Located in Vulpellac, Girona
metal frame is painted in a great verde green colour whilst the tabletop still retains its original wood
Category

Mid-20th Century Spanish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Steel

Six-Piece Arts & Crafts Tiffany School Jennings Brothers Bronzed Desk Set 19th C
By Tiffany Studios
Located in Big Flats, NY
, stamp box, letter holder, ink blotter, and inkwell, en verso stamp "JB 1864", 19th century Measures
Category

20th Century American Arts and Crafts Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal

Max Le Verrier Art Deco Monkey Bookends France 1930
By Max Le Verrier
Located in Antwerp, BE
is holding an inkwell in the shape of a jar. The sculptures are mounted on marble bases and are
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Marble, Metal

Just Andersen, Art Deco Inkwell in Disco Metal. 1930s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Just Andersen, Art Deco inkwell in disco metal. 1930s. Marked "D93". Excellent condition with
Category

1930s Danish Art Deco Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal

French modernist inkwell
Located in grand Lancy, CH
French modernist inkwell
Category

1930s French Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal

French modernist inkwell
French modernist inkwell
1 bid
No Reserve
H 2.76 in W 18.51 in D 5.12 in
Inkwell by Just Andersen, Denmark, circa 1930
By Just Andersen
Located in New York, NY
Patinated diskometal, Andersen’s signature alloy, with a hinged cap, glass well, and shallow scalloped basin. Marked on the underside with Andersen’s monogram and model number. OU...
Category

1930s Danish Art Deco Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal

Midcentury Decorative Balloon Stand for Pen, Inkwell, Sculpture, France, 1960s
Located in 05-080 Hornowek, PL
metal. Beautiful decoration and good gift. Only one unique piece.
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal

Desk Inkwell in Cut Crystal Sterling Silver Enamel Salimbeni
By Franco Salimbeni, Salimbeni
Located in Firenze, FI
Desk inkwell in cut crystal and 925/1000 sterling silver with translucent fired enamels on
Category

1990s Italian Empire Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver, Enamel

Desk Inkwell in Cut Crystal Sterling Silver Enamel Salimbeni
Desk Inkwell in Cut Crystal Sterling Silver Enamel Salimbeni
Free Shipping
H 3.71 in W 2.96 in D 2.96 in
Cartier Pen, France 1990s
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A substantial vintage two-tone Santos de Cartier ballpoint pen in a brushed metal steel and a
Category

1990s French Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal

Cartier Pen, France 1990s
Cartier Pen, France 1990s
H 5.5 in Dm 0.63 in
Space Age Ettore Sottsass Typewriter Olivetti Valentine
By Olivetti, Ettore Sottsass
Located in Saarbrücken, SL
Red portable typewriter in working condition with original traveler box. The design is from 1969. Made in Italy - 60s/70s dimensions: 11.5 cm heigh 34.5 depth 35 cm width ...
Category

1970s Italian Space Age Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal

Space Age Ettore Sottsass Typewriter Olivetti Valentine
Space Age Ettore Sottsass Typewriter Olivetti Valentine
Free Shipping
H 4.53 in W 13.59 in D 13.78 in
Just Andersen Bronze Patina Disko Metal 1930s Inkwell with Worm Decoration #D160
By Just Andersen
Located in Rothley, Leicestershire
Just Andersen of Denmark, bronze patina Disko metal weighty inkwell with worm decoration handle
Category

1930s Danish Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal

Pair of Art Deco Monkey Inkwell Bookends, Max Le Verrier, France
By Max Le Verrier
Located in Antwerp, BE
A pair of Art Deco monkey bookends. 
Each monkeys is holding an inkwell in the shape of a jar
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Marble, Metal

Mid Century Bronze Bowling Trophy New Old Stock 1940 era
Located in Soquel, CA
screws. Overall height: 7.5"; trophy height: 5.5"; plinth height: 2". white Metal (Spletter :Zinc, Copper
Category

1930s American Realist Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Metal

French Art Deco Green Catalin Bakelite Desk Set, 6 pieces
Located in Atlanta, GA
pieces: letter opener, blotter, inkwell, wax seal, letter holder, and penholder. The complete set is in
Category

1930s French Art Deco Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Brass, Metal

Jacques Adnet Chromium metal and mirror inkwell
Located in Saint-Andre lez Lille, France
Jacques Adnet Chromium metal and mirror inkwell
Category

1930s French Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Mirror

Virginia Metal Crafters Brass and Crystal Inkwell
Located in Richmond, VA
Offered is a stunning, 20th century, 1970s Virginia Metal Crafters brass and cut-crystal glass
Category

20th Century American Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Crystal, Brass

Art Deco Table Lamp with Inkwells
Located in North Hollywood, CA
in appearance. Not to mention that inkwells and the concept of "dipping" was fairly outdated by this
Category

1930s American Art Deco Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Glass

Art Deco Table Lamp with Inkwells
Art Deco Table Lamp with Inkwells
H 5.75 in W 8.25 in D 3.75 in
Pasha de Cartier Fountain Pen with Inkwell dated 1989
By Cartier
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Pasha de Cartier fountain pen with inkwell. Black and gold pen with onyx tipped cap. Pen nib is
Category

1980s French Vintage Metal Inkwell

Inkwell and Letter Case, Cut Crystal, Gilded Brass, Drilled Metal Matégot 1950
By Mathieu Matégot
Located in Biarritz, FR
The inkwell is in cut crystal with gilded brass bottom,the drilled metal white bottom is in the
Category

Mid-20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Warriors in a Canoe by Carl Hagenauer Werksstätte, Vienna, circa 1930s
By Karl Hagenauer, Werkstätte Hagenauer Wien
Located in Pau, FR
” (Viennese Bronzes). They were extremely successful with small bronzes and metal products in the style of the
Category

1930s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Metal Inkwell

Materials

Brass

Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Vintage Metal Inkwell", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Vintage Metal Inkwell For Sale on 1stDibs

With a vast inventory of beautiful furniture at 1stDibs, we’ve got just the vintage metal inkwell you’re looking for. Each vintage metal inkwell for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using metal, stone and glass. There are many kinds of the vintage metal inkwell you’re looking for, from those produced as long ago as the 20th Century to those made as recently as the 20th Century. A vintage metal inkwell is a generally popular piece of furniture, but those created in Art Deco, Empire and Hollywood Regency styles are sought with frequency. Just Andersen, Jacques Adnet and Franco Salimbeni each produced at least one beautiful vintage metal inkwell that is worth considering.

How Much is a Vintage Metal Inkwell?

A vintage metal inkwell can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price 1stDibs is $635, while the lowest priced sells for $110 and the highest can go for as much as $7,000.

Finding the Right desk-accessories for You

Whether you’ve carved out a space for a nifty home office or you prefer the morning commute, why not dress up your desk with antique and vintage desk accessories? To best tiptoe the line between desk efficiency and desk enjoyment, we suggest adding a touch of the past to your modern-day space.

Desks are a funny thing. Their basic premise has remained the same for quite literally centuries: a flat surface, oftentimes a drawer, and potentially a shelf or two. However, the contents that lay upon the desk? Well, the evolution has been drastic to say the least.

Thank the Victorians for the initial popularity of the paperweight. The Industrial Revolution offered the novel concept of leisure-time to Europeans, giving them more time to take part in the then crucial activity of letter writing. Decorative glass paperweight designs were all the rage, and during the mid-19th-century some of the most popular makers included the French companies of Baccarat, St. Louis and Clichy.

As paper was exceedingly expensive in the early to mid-19th-century, every effort was made to utilize a full sheet of it. Paper knives, which gave way to the modern letter opener, were helpful for cutting paper down to an appropriate size.

Books — those bound volumes of paper, you may recall — used to be common occurrences on desks of yore and where there were books there needed to be bookends. As a luxury item, bookend designs have run the gamut from incorporating ultra-luxurious materials (think marble and Murano glass) to being whimsical desk accompaniments (animal figurines were highly popular choices).

Though the inkwell’s extinction was ushered in by the advent of the ballpoint pen (itself quasi-obsolete at this point), there is still significant charm to be had from placing one of these bauble-like objets in a central spot on one’s desk. You may be surprised to discover the mood-boosting powers an antique — and purposefully empty — inkwell can provide.

The clamor for desk clocks arose as the Industrial Revolution transitioned labor from outdoors to indoors, and allowed for the mass-production of clock parts in factories. Naturally, elaborate designs soon followed and clocks could be found made by artisans and luxury houses like Cartier.

Find antique and vintage desk accessories today on 1stDibs.

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.