Inkwells
19th Century English High Victorian Antique Inkwells
Metal, Brass
1890s English Late Victorian Antique Inkwells
Brass
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Inkwells
Crystal, Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Inkwells
Ebony
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Louis XV Antique Inkwells
Bronze, Ormolu
Late 19th Century French Empire Revival Antique Inkwells
Ormolu
2010s French Mid-Century Modern Inkwells
Steel
20th Century Egyptian Revival Inkwells
Marble, Brass
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Inkwells
Copper
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Inkwells
Bronze
2010s Spanish Mid-Century Modern Inkwells
Steel
1920s Unknown Art Nouveau Vintage Inkwells
Bronze
Late 19th Century Antique Inkwells
Malachite, Bronze
1890s English High Victorian Antique Inkwells
Silver Plate
Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwells
Marble, Bronze
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Inkwells
Marble
19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Inkwells
Bronze, Ormolu, Brass
Early 20th Century Czech Art Nouveau Inkwells
Art Glass
2010s French Mid-Century Modern Inkwells
Steel
1910s English Edwardian Vintage Inkwells
Onyx, Sterling Silver
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Inkwells
Sterling Silver
Mid-19th Century Turkish Islamic Antique Inkwells
Brass
Late 19th Century French Louis XIV Antique Inkwells
Ormolu
Early 18th Century Italian Baroque Antique Inkwells
Bronze
1870s British Antique Inkwells
Porcelain
Late 19th Century Antique Inkwells
Gold, Bronze
20th Century Hollywood Regency Inkwells
Crystal, Metal
19th Century English High Victorian Antique Inkwells
Pottery
1930s Swedish Scandinavian Modern Vintage Inkwells
Pewter
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Inkwells
Marble, Bronze
1870s French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Ormolu
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Inkwells
Bronze
Late 19th Century Antique Inkwells
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
Late 19th Century English High Victorian Antique Inkwells
Brass
19th Century Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells
Brass
1920s Unknown Art Nouveau Vintage Inkwells
Bronze
19th Century American Victorian Antique Inkwells
Crystal, Sterling Silver
1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Metal, Nickel
1860s French Louis XV Antique Inkwells
Lacquer
Late 19th Century Antique Inkwells
Fruitwood
19th Century Victorian Antique Inkwells
Crystal, Bronze, Other
1910s American Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwells
Bronze
19th Century French Victorian Antique Inkwells
Marble, Bronze, Gold Leaf
2010s French Mid-Century Modern Inkwells
Steel
Late 19th Century European Empire Antique Inkwells
Onyx, Bronze
20th Century Chinese Inkwells
Stone
Late 19th Century French Empire Antique Inkwells
Marble, Bronze, Enamel
Early 20th Century English Art Deco Inkwells
Crystal, Zinc, Copper, Metal, Bronze, Brass
Early 20th Century Czech Art Nouveau Inkwells
Art Glass
Mid-19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Inkwells
Stone
19th Century Rococo Antique Inkwells
Malachite, Bronze, Ormolu
19th Century Danish Antique Inkwells
Porcelain
1890s French Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Glass, Wood
Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Inkwells
Soapstone
Early 20th Century Unknown Renaissance Inkwells
Silver Plate
20th Century French Mid-Century Modern Inkwells
Crystal
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.