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Inkwells For Sale
Napoleon III Black Gutta Percha Inkstand, Late 19th Century
Located in Spencertown, NY
The black inkstand with a molded lion decoration with a shell pen tray. The two glass inkwells on either end.
Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells

Materials

Rubber

19th century nautilus inkwell/paperweight
Located in London, GB
À beautiful bronze patinated iron inkwell/paperweight in the shape of a nautilus shell.
Category

19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Inkwells

Materials

Iron

A Victorian Silver Inkstand made in Madras by Peter Orr and Sons in 1880
Located in Lymington, Hampshire
A Victorian Silver Inkstand made in Madras by Peter Orr and Sons in 1880 for Presentation to the 3rd Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, Governor of Madras and Convenor of the “Duke’s Ow...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Silver

Early 19th Century French Ormolu-Gilded Inkwell
Located in Copenhagen, K
French cut-glass, Palisander and ormolu inkwell. Sneaks as handle and claw on ball feet. Original glass wells and two drawers.
Category

Early 19th Century French Directoire Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Beautiful Art Nouveau Inkwell, Signed "Guénardeau", Susse Frères
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptionally beautiful inkwell from the French Art Nouveau period. Great workmanship of Art Nouveau decor with maple and vine motifs on the bottom of the pen tray, the ink cup holde...
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Inkwells

Materials

Gold, Bronze

Empire Inkwell in Mahogany and Walnut with Gilt Bronze Mounts, circa 1820
Located in Knivsta, SE
Empire Inkwell in Mahogany and Ebonized Walnut with Gilt Bronze Mounts, circa 1820 A rare and finely crafted Empire inkwell, dating from around the 1820s. Made of richly grained ma...
Category

1820s French Empire Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Style Green Glass Inkwell with Gilt Mounts
Located in Nashville, TN
Second Empire green glass inkwell circa 1870 .rare color .Encased in gilt metal Empire styled mounts ,swans drinking from a fountain. The lid shows a woman with bust . The ovoid gree...
Category

Early 1900s French Empire Antique Inkwells

Materials

Glass

Ceramic Inkwell, Talavera De La Reina, Spain, 18th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Talavera Inkwell, 18th century. Glazed pottery Talavera ceramic inkwell, decorated with cobalt blue enamel on a white tin slip with restorations" Size: 16 x 16 x 7 cms.    
Category

18th Century Spanish Rococo Antique Inkwells

Materials

Ceramic

Inkstand in leather in the shape of a heart for love letters. Late 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Beautiful Inkstand in leather in the shape of a heart for your love letters. Made in France during the late 19th Century. Richly decorated with gilded leather and brass. Wear consi...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Erhard & Söhne Jugendstil Inkwell 1910 Austria
Located in Den Haag, NL
An early 20th century, Jugendstil period inkwell by Erhard und Sohne. Austria ca. 1910 .Burl wood with Brass inlay  .Beautiful crafted piece .
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Jugendstil Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Cool Ink Well designed as a Godin iron stove from the late 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Cool Ink Well designed as a Godin iron stove from the late 19th Century. Made in France in cast iron and painted with a beautiful patina. Probably an advertising item...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Iron

Large Bullmastiff Triple Inkwell, circa 1900, Dog
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome and large novelty inkwell in the form of a Bullmastiff / Bull Mastiff dog sporting his two glass eyes. Made from spelter and beautifully executed, this heavy piece opens to reveal three removable brass ink chambers. There is a hole running through his mouth to hold a dip pen...
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Inkwells

Materials

Metal

19th Century Victorian Cast Iron "Lion" Inkwell
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Figural lion inkwell boasting original paint with hinged lion's head concealing the well, circa late 1800s Patina / paint loss consistent with age / use.
Category

Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Iron

Rare Antique Classical Roman Bronze & Glass Inkstand with Crystal Glass Inkwell
Located in Lisse, NL
Stylish, rare and mint condition bronze, brass and glass desk piece. This completely original inkstand dates from the late 19th century and it has a large number of striking Roman...
Category

Late 19th Century French Classical Roman Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Brass, Bronze

Gilt Art Nouveau Portrait Casket Double Inkwell WMF (Attrib.)
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Gilt Art Nouveau Portrait Casket Double Inkwell WMF (Attrib.) Germany, Circa 1900s Attributed to WMF” Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik A gilt Art Nouveau portrait casket double i...
Category

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Inkwells

Materials

Metal

Exceptional Quality Egyptian Revival Puma Raised Bi-Metal Desk Stand
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional quality Art Nouveau Egyptian revival Continental brass and copper desk stand raised on four puma feet and dating from the early 20th Century. Probably French the heavi...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Inkwells

Materials

Brass, Copper

An Art Nouveau Patinated and Gilt Bronze Inkwell, Circa 1900.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
An Art Nouveau patinated and gilt bronze inkwell, circa 1900. An Art Nouveau patinated and gilt bronze inkwell, signed, circa 1900, lacking the glass receptacle. H: 5.5cm, W: 20cm, ...
Category

20th Century French Art Nouveau Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Vienna Bronze Cold Painted Pineapple Inkwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Vienna bronze cold painted pineapple inkwell with porcelain insert.
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Late 19th Century Victorian Silver Plated and Green Glass Inkwell
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This Late 19th Century Victorian inkwell set exemplifies intricate craftsmanship and luxurious design. It features a silver-plated tray with ornate detailing, including embossed flor...
Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Silver Plate

19th Century Gilded Bronze and Marble Inkwell
Located in Charlottesville, VA
A bronze and marble inkwell. Add this to your desk for instant style.
Category

19th Century French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Brass

Antique French Faience Quimper Style Inkwell, circa 1900
Located in Pearland, TX
A charming antique French provincial faience Quimper style inkwell from the French province of Saint-Quay-Portrieux, circa 1900. Signed on reverse. Thi...
Category

Early 1900s French French Provincial Antique Inkwells

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Antique Black Forest Brienz Hand-Carved Figural Dog Inkwell
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique inkwell is unsigned, but presumed to have originated from Austria and date to approximately 1920 and done in the period Black Forest style. The inkwell is composed of a ...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Black Forest Inkwells

Materials

Art Glass, Softwood

WMF Württembergische Metallwaren German Jugendstil Pewter Desk Stand and Inkwell
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A very stylish German Jugendstil pewter desk stand and inkwell by renowned makers WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) and dating from around 1906. The stand comprises of a centr...
Category

Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells

Materials

Pewter

Collection Of Three Colorful Luxury Glass Inkwells
Located in Bridgeport, CT
Amazing group of vintage glass inkwells including: Round bulbous form blue ink well with glass hinged lid, brass collar, controlled air bubbles. Unmarked. Heavy piece with thick wal...
Category

20th Century Hollywood Regency Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Metal

Mid-Century Antique Pair of Glass Inkwells with a Brass Lid and a Shield on Top
Located in Stamford, CT
A nice pair of mid-century glass inkwells with brass hinged lids and a shield on top. English lap desk style purchased by a private collector who trav...
Category

Mid-19th Century English Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Art Nouveau Bat Inkwell by Unknown French Artist
Located in Chicago, US
Little is known about the origins of this amazing piece, apart from it being from France, circa 1900. Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, ...
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Meissen, Germany. Blue Onion pattern inkwell set in porcelain.
Located in København, Copenhagen
Meissen, Germany. Blue Onion pattern inkwell set in porcelain. Hand-painted. Late 19th century. Marked. First factory quality. In excellent condition - inkwell with hairline cracks a...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Inkwells

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Inkstand / Desk Standish
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver inkstand / desk standish; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection This magnificent, fine and impressive antique Victorian inkstand...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Silver, Sterling Silver

Antique Anglo-Indian Carved Ebony Elephant Inkwell Desk Stand
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Antique Anglo-Indian Carved Ebony Figural Elephant Inkwell Desk Stand. This is an antique Victorian colonial decorative desk ebony wood stand. Late 19...
Category

Late 19th Century Indian Anglo-Indian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Ebony

Jugendstil J.P. Kayser Inkstand / Inkwell with Great Hamlet & Skull Sculpture
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning and important Kayserzinn pewter inkwell, designed by Hugo Leven. Who, in this day and age, would ask a top quality sculptor to design and execute a stunning sculpture with ...
Category

Early 20th Century German Jugendstil Inkwells

Materials

Metal

Victorian English Inkwell in Silver Plated, Queen Anne Style
Located in Prato, Tuscany
We kindly suggest you read the whole description, because with it we try to give you detailed technical and historical information to guarantee the authenticity of our objects. Refin...
Category

Late 19th Century English Queen Anne Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

Late 19th Century French Treen Inkwell with Pen Holder
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Late 19th century French treen inkwell with pen holder. Elegantly decorated with subtly colored chinoiserie scenes of gardens & bamboo follies. Bra...
Category

Late 19th Century French Chinoiserie Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Tiffany Studios New York Venetian Bronze Double Inkwell
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous antique bronze double inkwell box in the Venetian design By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 2...
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique English Edwardian Cut Crystal & Sterling Silver Inkwell, Circa 1900's
Located in New Orleans, LA
Fine antique English Edwardian Hallmarked cut crystal and sterling silver inkwell, Circa 1900's.
Category

20th Century English Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver

Joseph Reinemann Jugendstil Pewter Novelty Bird Desk Inkwell, Germany c1902
By Martin Brothers, Robert Wallace Martin, Arts and Crafts Company
Located in Buenos Aires, Olivos
Joseph Reinemann Jugendstil Pewter Novelty Bird Desk Inkwell, Germany c1902. Joseph Reinemann, Munich, a Jugendstil silvered pewter novelty desk inkwell in the form of a grotesque bi...
Category

Early 1900s German Arts and Crafts Antique Inkwells

Materials

Pewter

Inkwell in red marble with "Allegory of writing" in gilt bronze, signed H.CHAPU
Located in Paris, FR
Inkwell in red Griotte marble and gilt bronze representing an allegory of writing by Henri Chapu (1833-1891). This old 19th century inkstand is ...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells

Materials

Griotte Marble, Bronze

Art Deco Cut Crystal & Silver Plate Inkwell Signed Cross
Located in New York, NY
Add a touch of historical elegance to your desk with this Art Deco Cut Crystal & Silver Plate Inkwell, signed by Cross, England, from the early 20th century. This exquisite inkwell e...
Category

Early 1900s English Aesthetic Movement Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

French Art Deco Marble and Bronze Ink Well
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French Art Deco marble inkwell with bronze details and well atop. The size and wonderful art deco detail make for this piece a complement to ma...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Bronze

Avatar UR Abalone Green Fountain Pen
Located in Milan, IT
Thanks to 3D engineering and high precision manufacturing, the pen is assembled without using a single drop of glue. Transparency allows one not only to see the pen's mechanism but a...
Category

2010s Italian Inkwells

Materials

Resin

Antique Egyptian Brass Inkwell Qalamdan
Located in North Hollywood, CA
A 19th century brass decorated Middle Eastern Islamic Qalamdan. The Qalamdan is in solid brass, etched on all sides with Egyptian floral design. It consists of an inkwell and a pen...
Category

19th Century Egyptian Moorish Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Tiffany Studios New York Bronze and Green Glass Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
Among the most visually alluring and technically excellent of all Tiffany Studios New York's desk accessories, the exciting design for this refined but robustly rounded inkwell features green blown glass in pinched triangular forms that appear to dance in perfectly coordinated movement around the circumference of the piece. The negative space between the blown green glass appears in the form of stylized flowers with Minimalist linear accents in patinated bronze. Artist: Tiffany Studios New York Country: United States circa 1900 Dimensions: 3.75" height, 6.25" diameter Materials: Leaded glass, bronze Signed: "Tiffany Studios New York 25055” along with the Tiffany Studios monogram...
Category

Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Art Nouveau Bronze Inkwell with an Owl
Located in Stockholm, SE
An Art Noveau or Jugend patinated bronze pen and inkwell with an owl sitting in the center. The owl have inset glass eyes. Made ca.1900. Possibly Swedish. Symbolism of the owl: The...
Category

Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

French Art Nouveau Bronze Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Nouveau oval shaped bronze inkwell with pine cones and needles design (signed: ALBERT CHEURET)
Category

Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Bronze Dore Inkwell with Eagle
Located in Queens, NY
French Empire style (19th Cent) bronze dore inkwell with perched eagle and acorn finial (signed A. MARIONNETt)
Category

19th Century French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Inkstand, baroque revival
Located in VALENZA, IT
Faithful copy of the writing service by the silversmith Pietro Rubini, Milan c.1775 The inkstand is composed of a shaped tray supported by 4 rocailles feet, modeled along the entire profile by finely embossed and chiselled volutes, leaves and shells. Above the tray are two ink holders and two pen holders with spiral workmanship and highly embossed vegetable decorations. A bell in the center of the object rests on a FASTIGIO pierced with flowering vines. By Fiorentini, Argenterie di Milano - Italy for ARVAL ARGENTI VALENZA Italian silverware...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Baroque Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

An Exquisite and Rare French Louis XVI Style Ormolu-Mounted Bloodstone Inkwell
Located in Queens, NY
An Exquisite and Rare French Louis XVI Style Ormolu-Mounted Bloodstone Inkwell, circa 1875. A truly exceptional and jewel like quality inkwell encrier, made with the finest ormolu, mounted on bloodstone. A true collectors and one of a kind piece. Revival of the ancient régime in the late 19th century was paramount to the French furniture and bronze casting firms of the Belle Epoque. Imitation in the highest regard and replication of those tastes and styles was prevalent throughout the Paris Faubourg, where the most talented bronziers and ébénistes established their workshops. The present inkwell encrier recalls the late 18th century's obsession with hardstones - a taste expounded above all by the duc d'Aumont and, subsequently Marie-Antoinette. Such hardstone-mounted pieces, reminiscent of Renaissance schatzkammer objects, enjoyed a revived popularity at the end of the 18th century through the impetus of both the marchands-mercier and, more importantly, the hôtel des Menus-Plaisirs, where the duc d'Aumont himself established a workshop in 1770 specializing in the cutting and polishing of precious hardstones. This exceptional inkwell encrier, sumptuously-mounted with finely chased gilt-bronzes, incorporates a highly-prized material such as bloodstone. Sometimes called the Sunstone, the meaning of Bloodstone comes entangled in fascinating history. The Ancient Greeks held the Bloodstone as a gem with glorious powers. They referred to it as Heliotrope, which directly translates to Sunstone. It was believed to have heavenly healing powers gifted by the gods and most certainly when it came to healing all things related to the blood. Even as we move forward into the Middle Ages, the Bloodstone takes another mystical story under its wing. It was believed to be formed from Christ's blood. It was said that during the Crucifixion, a few red spots of his blood dripped...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Antique Inkwell, Crystal Glass, Silver Plated, Late 19th Century
Located in Greven, DE
Inkwell made from crystal glass. The lid is silver-plated.
Category

Late 19th Century Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

Rare Chinese opium smoking tray in Cloisonné Bronze with Black Enamel
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Rare Chinese opium smoking tray in cloisonné bronze with black enamel. Divided into three compartments plus the wick deposit. 19th century.
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

19th Century French Ormolu & Onyx Inkwell with Michelangelo's Lorenzo de Medici
Located in London, GB
A Fine Gilt Bronze and Onyx Inkwell Surmounted by Michelangelo's Lorenzo de Medici Constructed from a dished piece of onyx, raised on ormolu stepped feet with carrying handles to th...
Category

19th Century French Renaissance Revival Antique Inkwells

Materials

Onyx, Ormolu

Bohemian Czech Art Nouveau Art Glass Inkwell with Water Lily Overlay
Located in San Diego, CA
Stunning Bohemian Czech Art Nouveau inkwell with metal water lily overlay in the style of Loetz, circa 1900s. The green art glass well is capped with...
Category

Early 20th Century Czech Art Nouveau Inkwells

Materials

Metal, Brass

Tiffany Studios Zodiac Gilt Bronze Inkwell No. 1072
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Tiffany Studios gilt bronze inkwell. In the Zodiac pattern. Model no. 1072. Simply iconic Tiffany design! Date: Early 20th Century Overall Condition: It is in overall goo...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Rare Antique Mid-19th C Veuve Perrin French France Pottery Inkwell
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Rare Antique Mid-19th C Veuve Perrin French France Pottery Inkwell
Category

Mid-19th Century French Provincial Antique Inkwells

Materials

Faience

Vintage French Renaissance Silver Plated Figural Italian Inkstand Desk Inkwell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Vintage French Renaissance Silver Plated Figural Italian Inkstand Desk Double Inkwell. Item features double inkwell with inserts, central can...
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Renaissance Inkwells

Materials

Silver Plate

Very Large and Fine 19th Century Chinoiserie and Gilt Bronze Inkwell
Located in Dallas, TX
A very fine 19th century French Chinoiserie and gilt bronze inkwell with a decorated scene. Fine gilt bronze detail with a patinated Oriental figure in the center and inkpots with mo...
Category

Late 18th Century French Chinoiserie Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Brass Double Inkwell with Foliage Decoration
Located in Sofia, BG
Double inkwell made in brass with detailed and very beautiful foliage decoration. France, circa 1900.
Category

Early 20th Century French Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Rococo Style Heavy Bronze Inkwell
Located in Guaynabo, PR
Embossing & chasing techniques are highlighted in the Rococo motifs of this gilt bronze inkwell. The inkwells are shaped as garlic domes. The exaggerated rocaille shaped tray with la...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Rococo Revival Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Rococo Style Heavy Bronze Inkwell
Rococo Style Heavy Bronze Inkwell
$487 Sale Price
25% Off
"The Kiss, " Romantic, Rare Bronze Inkwell/Pen Tray with Nudes and Aquatic Motif
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Rare and striking, this large, bronze desk accessory, a combination inkwell and large pen tray, depicts nude male and female figures, shown at the crest of a wave, in the midst of a gentle kiss. This sculpture puts the couple in an aquatic setting, almost as if they are mermaid and merman, with the movement of water and the cresting of waves shown throughout the piece. The sculptor, Otto Strandman...
Category

1920s Swedish Art Nouveau Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

1920s Art Deco Black and White Marble and Metal French Inkwell
Located in Catania, Sicilia
This is a 1920s French Art Deco inkwell made from black and white marble with metal detailing. The centerpiece of the design is a metal sculpture of a leopard, showcasing sleek geome...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Metal

Renaissance Inkwell Calamelli workshop, Italy, Faenza, second half of the 16th
By Virgiliotto Calamelli
Located in Milano, IT
Inkwell Calamelli workshop (attr.). Faenza, second half of the 16th century Height 4.33 in; length 8.07 in; depth 2.95 in (11 cm; 20.5 cm; 7.5 cm) Weight: 0.800 lb (363 g) State of conservation: some chipping to the top of the mask around the mouth. Handle glued, without any restorations; minor chips in some raised areas. This object has the shape of a foot wearing Greek-style footwear, as can be seen in some raised areas. The foot is anatomically modeled with bare toes, while the ankle is partially covered by the footwear. On the heel, there is a small circular handle to support the object. The mouth of the container is shaped like a mask. The interior, completely enameled, suggests that the piece was intended to be used as an inkwell or to contain some other liquid. The base, however, is not enamelled. The painted decoration, scant and brief, consists of rapid cobalt blue shading between the toes of the foot, with more precise emphasis on the nails. It is accompanied by yellow citrine accents to enhance the forms. The mask is painted with the tip of the brush, to accentuate the tense nature of the eyes and to accentuate their outline. Thin strokes of yellow-orange line the interior of the mouth. Since the Renaissance, this decoration has been referred to as "compendiaria" and it characterizes the period of production extending from the mid-16th century to approximately the middle of the following century. It significantly influenced tastes at the time. It evolved from the polychrome style "istoriato" and transformed into a new style that "summarized" (compendia), or condensed, the ornamentation of the works into a few colors, placing greater prominence on the shapes. It was often inspired by metal specimens. Since the Renaissance, this decoration has been referred to as "compendiaria" and it characterizes the period of production extending from the mid-16th century to approximately the middle of the following century. It significantly influenced tastes at the time. It evolved from the polychrome style "istoriato" and transformed into a new style that "summarized" (compendia), or condensed, the ornamentation of the works into a few colors, placing greater prominence on the shapes. It was often inspired by metal specimens. This artwork finds parallels in similar objects all characterized by this refined style and produced in the city of Faenza and other Italian centers starting from the mid-16th century. The closest comparable example in majolica is a foot acquired by the British Museum in 2011 (inv. 2011, 8008.1). This was previously published by Carmen Ravanelli Guidotti in 1996 and later by Dora Thornton in 2016 during the conference on Renaissance ceramics...
Category

16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Inkwells

Materials

Maiolica

Avatar UR Black Fountain Pen
Located in Milan, IT
This ultra-elegant fountain pen is distinguished by a black body in UltraResin, a special material developed by Pineider mixing nacre and resin for enhanced weather-resistance and du...
Category

2010s Italian Inkwells

Materials

Resin

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.

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