Inkwells
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Crystal, Malachite
1880s German Antique Inkwells
Marble, Brass, Bronze
1960s Swedish Mid-Century Modern Vintage Inkwells
Crystal
19th Century English Gothic Antique Inkwells
Brass
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Wood
1920s Chinese Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Brass
20th Century English Neoclassical Inkwells
1830s English George IV Antique Inkwells
Agate, Silver
19th Century English George IV Antique Inkwells
Silver, Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century Antique Inkwells
Crystal, Silver Plate
19th Century German Antique Inkwells
Pottery
Late 19th Century French Renaissance Revival Antique Inkwells
Marble, Bronze
Late 19th Century Portuguese Baroque Antique Inkwells
Silver
1890s French Belle Époque Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Chinoiserie Inkwells
Enamel, Bronze
19th Century English Antique Inkwells
Brass
Late 18th Century English Georgian Antique Inkwells
Silver Plate
1920s French Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Bronze
1810s French Empire Antique Inkwells
Griotte Marble, Bronze
19th Century French Antique Inkwells
Crystal, Bronze
Early 1900s French Rococo Antique Inkwells
Pewter
1870s Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Inkwells
Porcelain
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Inkwells
Silver
Early 1900s European Antique Inkwells
Crystal, Silver Plate
Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Inkwells
Metal
19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwells
Brass
Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Inkwells
Brass
19th Century French Victorian Antique Inkwells
Marble, Bronze
Early 1900s French Antique Inkwells
Faience
19th Century Asian Moorish Antique Inkwells
Brass
20th Century English Inkwells
Sterling Silver
1930s French Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Steel
Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwells
Porcelain
19th Century English William IV Antique Inkwells
Silver
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Inkwells
Bronze
1920s American Vintage Inkwells
Brass
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Inkwells
Marble, Bronze
Late 19th Century English Antique Inkwells
Porcelain, Wood
Mid-19th Century French Provincial Antique Inkwells
Faience
19th Century Antique Inkwells
Glass
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Metal, Brass
19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Antique Inkwells
Glass, Resin
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Bronze
19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwells
Wood
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Inkwells
Bronze
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells
Pewter
Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Late 19th Century European Antique Inkwells
Mahogany
1890s British Late Victorian Antique Inkwells
Silver Plate
Late 19th Century British Antique Inkwells
Oak
20th Century English Other Inkwells
Silver
20th Century European Art Nouveau Inkwells
Brass
Late 19th Century Belgian Louis XV Antique Inkwells
Brass, Metal
Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Antique Inkwells
Silver Plate
1890s Argentine Victorian Antique Inkwells
Crystal
18th Century Japanese Anglo-Indian Antique Inkwells
Brass
Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwells
Lapis Lazuli, Bronze
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.