Inkwells
Early 20th Century American Inkwells
Crystal, Sterling Silver
1870s French Chinoiserie Antique Inkwells
Ormolu
1890s English Antique Inkwells
Silver, Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century Antique Inkwells
Crystal, Gold Plate, Brass
Mid-19th Century English Antique Inkwells
Crystal, Brass
19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwells
Silver, Sterling Silver
Late 18th Century Indian Islamic Antique Inkwells
Jade
Late 19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Glass, Bone, Walnut
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Inkwells
Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwells
Brass
Early 1900s Danish Neoclassical Antique Inkwells
Sterling Silver
19th Century English George IV Antique Inkwells
Silver, Sterling Silver
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Crystal, Brass
Early 20th Century Czech Art Nouveau Inkwells
Art Glass
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Inkwells
Bronze
1920s Unknown Art Nouveau Vintage Inkwells
Bronze
Late 19th Century American Japonisme Antique Inkwells
Sterling Silver
Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Late 19th Century English Antique Inkwells
Porcelain, Wood
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Bronze
17th Century Spanish Baroque Antique Inkwells
Ceramic
1880s French Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells
Earthenware
19th Century French Japonisme Antique Inkwells
Bronze
19th Century Antique Inkwells
Marble, Ormolu
19th Century Rococo Antique Inkwells
Malachite, Bronze, Ormolu
Early 19th Century French Victorian Antique Inkwells
Porcelain
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Inkwells
Metal, Enamel
1920s American Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Crystal, Sterling Silver
1890s French Belle Époque Antique Inkwells
Onyx, Bronze
1940s Portuguese Vintage Inkwells
Porcelain
19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwells
Sterling Silver
19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwells
Silver
Early 20th Century American Edwardian Inkwells
Sterling Silver, Bronze
Early 20th Century Japanese Anglo-Japanese Inkwells
Crystal, Sterling Silver
19th Century Italian Grand Tour Antique Inkwells
Marble, Metal
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Early 20th Century Czech Art Nouveau Inkwells
Art Glass
Late 19th Century Italian Antique Inkwells
Silver Plate
19th Century Danish Antique Inkwells
Porcelain
19th Century English Antique Inkwells
Brass
19th Century English Antique Inkwells
Mother-of-Pearl, Glass, Wood
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Marble
Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Mid-19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwells
Brass
1810s European George III Antique Inkwells
Sterling Silver
Mid-19th Century English Antique Inkwells
Malachite, Ormolu
1910s American Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Bronze
Late 19th Century English Antique Inkwells
Sterling Silver
Early 1900s Other Antique Inkwells
Porcelain
19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwells
Silver Plate, Brass
Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Inkwells
Ormolu, Bronze
1870s English Victorian Antique Inkwells
Brass
Early 20th Century Czech Art Nouveau Inkwells
Art Glass
1920s Vintage Inkwells
Silver Plate
Late 19th Century British Antique Inkwells
Bronze
1830s French Louis Philippe Antique Inkwells
Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Inkwells
Bronze
19th Century German Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Metal
Early 1900s French Edwardian Antique Inkwells
Brass
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.