Inkwells
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Marble, Bronze
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Inkwells
Brass
Early 20th Century English Edwardian Inkwells
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century English Art Nouveau Inkwells
Porcelain
Early 20th Century English Mid-Century Modern Inkwells
Brass
Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Inkwells
Metal
19th Century English Antique Inkwells
Metal
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Early 20th Century Unknown Inkwells
Bakelite
18th Century Asian Islamic Antique Inkwells
Brass
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Inkwells
Bone
19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Antique Inkwells
Glass, Resin
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Inkwells
Marble, Chrome
1880s Swiss Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Walnut
19th Century German Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Velvet, Cut Glass, Wood
1880s Late Victorian Antique Inkwells
Glass, Resin
Mid-20th Century Italian Inkwells
Silver
Late 19th Century American Victorian Antique Inkwells
Crystal, Iron
1910s German Arts and Crafts Vintage Inkwells
Pewter
19th Century German Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Wood
1890s German Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Metal
Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Rubber
1880s Swiss Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Softwood
Late 19th Century European Antique Inkwells
Silver Plate
Early 1900s German Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells
Silver, Enamel
Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Inkwells
Marble
Mid-20th Century Italian Inkwells
Brass
19th Century British Victorian Antique Inkwells
Silver
1920s Chinese Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Brass
Mid-19th Century Italian Louis Philippe Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Inkwells
Brass, Bronze
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Inkwells
Brass
1890s British Late Victorian Antique Inkwells
Brass
15th Century and Earlier Persian Islamic Antique Inkwells
Silver, Bronze
1890s German Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Wood
1890s Austrian Victorian Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Late 19th Century Antique Inkwells
Brass
Late 19th Century English Antique Inkwells
Leather, Glass
20th Century American Victorian Inkwells
Crystal, Iron
Late 19th Century English Antique Inkwells
Metal
1920s Italian Art Deco Vintage Inkwells
Marble, Wrought Iron
Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Inkwells
Terracotta, Glass
Mid-19th Century American Antique Inkwells
Rubber
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Wood
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Wood
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Wood
Late 19th Century Italian Grand Tour Antique Inkwells
Serpentine
Late 19th Century French Empire Antique Inkwells
Glass
20th Century Gothic Inkwells
Crystal, Iron, Wrought Iron
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Walnut
Early 19th Century French Antique Inkwells
Porcelain
Late 19th Century Austrian Edwardian Antique Inkwells
Crystal, Bronze
Late 19th Century British Victorian Antique Inkwells
Crystal, Brass
1890s French Folk Art Antique Inkwells
Chrome, Wrought Iron
20th Century British Victorian Inkwells
Crystal
19th Century Italian Grand Tour Antique Inkwells
Marble, Metal
1890s Russian Antique Inkwells
Metal
19th Century English Other Antique Inkwells
Porcelain
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.