Ceramic Inkwells

Exceptional antique Inkwell with rich bronze ornaments and three porcelain vessels. The ink jars are painted in a beautiful rich green and embellished with gold colour. France, 1839. On the lid is written "ENCRIER BOUQUET" "MEDAILLE D´ARGENT...

Quality antique Victorian Staffordshire Greyhound inkwell having a greyhound laying on a shaped blue coloured base, hand painted in wonderful blue an...

Turquoise Glazed Faience and Gilt Bronze Desk Inkwell by Théodore Deck (1823–1891), circa 1870 Rare desk inkwell signed TH. DECK, crafted in faience with the celebrated turquoise gl...

French Art Nouveau Inkwell by Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat, France, circa 1890. A rare and exquisite Art Nouveau inkwell by renowned French ceramist Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat (1844–1910). This finely crafted piece showcases Dalpayrat’s signature red copper-glazed stoneware, especially rich and luminous near the base. Elegantly mounted in pewter, the design exemplifies the organic flow and refined detail of the Art Nouveau period. Dimensions: Height: 3.54 in. (9 cm) Diameter: 5.12 in. (13 cm) Materials: Stoneware with pewter mount Condition: Excellent+++++, museum-quality preservation Markings: Incised signature "Dalpayrat 1500" under the base (see photo) This inkwell is a collectible example of French ceramic art at the turn of the century—perfect for collectors of Art Nouveau, 19th-century French ceramics, or the works of Dalpayrat. Adrien Dalpayrat (1844–1910): A Pioneer of French Ceramic Innovation Adrien Dalpayrat was a French ceramicist and researcher who played a key role in the revival of stoneware at the end of the 19th century. Born in 1844 in Limoges, Dalpayrat studied drawing and porcelain painting in his hometown before beginning his professional career at the Jules Vieillard faience factory in Bordeaux. There, he met his wife, Marie Tallerie, with whom he had two sons—Albert and Adolphe—who would later become his primary collaborators. Throughout his early career, Dalpayrat worked for several major ceramic manufacturers, including Ashwin (Valentine), Fouquet (Toulouse), François Blanc (Monaco), and Léon Sazerat (Limoges). In 1889, seeking greater independence, he moved to the Paris region and established his own studio in Bourg-la-Reine. Collaborations and Artistic Evolution Dalpayrat’s creative vision expanded through his collaboration with sculptor Alphonse Voisin-Delacroix. Together, they explored neo-Gothic and Palissy-inspired motifs, creating a remarkable ceramic bestiary. Following Voisin-Delacroix’s death in 1893, Dalpayrat partnered with Adèle Lesbros, which marked a shift in his work toward simpler, more refined vase forms influenced by Japonism. Japanese art had been introduced to France during the 1867 Universal Exhibition, but it wasn’t until the 1878 Exhibition, particularly through the ceremonial stoneware used in the Japanese tea ceremony, that Japonism truly captivated French artists. This influence led Dalpayrat to create vessels with organic, vegetal, and animal-inspired forms. Technical Mastery: The Secrets of Copper Red Among all the ceramists of his time who sought to replicate the elusive Chinese “sang de boeuf” (oxblood) glaze, Adrien Dalpayrat was arguably the most successful. He didn’t simply reproduce the legendary copper red—he transformed it. By manipulating glaze thickness, firing temperature, atmosphere, and copper oxide content, he developed a unique palette of flamed and mottled red glazes that became his signature: the renowned Dalpayrat red. He further enriched his pieces by introducing streaks and inclusions of turquoise, blue, green, and yellow—freeing the red glaze from monochromy and turning it into an expressive, living surface. His work pushed stoneware beyond function into expressive art, merging form and glaze in bold, sculptural harmony. Beyond Ceramics: Bronze Mounts and Architectural Works Dalpayrat also collaborated with renowned jewelers such as Ernest Cardeilhac and Keller to produce pieces mounted in gilt bronze, blending ceramics with decorative arts at the highest level. In an effort to make his work more accessible, he opened a second faience workshop focused on simpler, more affordable pieces inspired by Nevers and Rouen ware. However, this venture faced financial difficulties and closed by 1900. The main family studio followed in 1906 as the popularity of Art Nouveau declined. Dalpayrat then returned to Limoges, devoting his final years to painting and drawing until his death in 1910. Legacy and Recognition Despite financial struggles during his lifetime, Dalpayrat’s ceramics were widely acclaimed at major international exhibitions: Bronze medal, World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago (1893) Silver medal, Antwerp International Exhibition (1894) Gold medal, Exposition Universelle, Paris (1900) Today, his work is part of prestigious museum collections. In 2020, the Petit Palais in Paris acquired a large bird motif vase created in collaboration with Voisin-Delacroix, now on view in Room...

Stunning French Lavish Gilt Porcelain Ink Stand of Museum Quality and generous proportions, made by renowned French porcelain maker Jacob Petit. Last quarter of the Nineteenth Centur...

Exquisite antique Worcester porcelain desk inkstand and cover in "dragons in compartments" or "bengal tiger" pattern. A stunning piece of English Regency chinoiserie in imari palette...

Moroccan ceramics reflect a rich artistic inheritance shaped by centuries of Islamic craftsmanship and the enduring influence of Andalusian traditions. Centres such as Fez and Safi b...

This is a calligraphy set with a wooden lacquer box. There is a pen, an indien ink, a porcelain pot for water and a stone base to make the ink. And ...

Vintage 1960's pen holder in the form of a Dalmatian made in the Staffordshire region of England. The Dalmatian is recumbent, with front legs crossed in an elegant fashion, and sitt...

A late 19th century blue and white ceramic inkwell with circular pierced brass stand and brass lid. They ceramic inkwell depicts a riverside scene of birds and rushes.

Exceptional beautiful inkwell by the french artist and sculptor Gaston Bigard. Signed at the lid "BIGARD". Ceramic with authentic craquele lacquer and a brass lid with beautiful Art ...

Antique 17th century Spanish traditional Talavera glazed ceramic ink holder.

A charming antique French provincial faience Quimper style inkwell from the French province of Saint-Quay-Portrieux, circa 1900. Signed on reverse. Thi...

Inkwell. Glazed ceramic. Talavera de la Reina, Spain, 17th century. Inkwell or spice rack with a square shaped hole that is made of glazed ceram...

Porcelain inkwell signed by Emile Gallé, early 20th century. Porcelain inkwell by Emile Gallé from the early 20th century. H: 13 cm, W: 28 cm, D: 18 cm Please contact us before ord...

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...

Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard parcel services are an option, the defau...

A charming antique French faience Quimper double inkwell and pen tray desk set, circa 1900. This gorgeous inkwell is hand painted with a traditional Breton man surrounded by bagpipes...

Rare Antique Mid-19th C Veuve Perrin French France Pottery Inkwell

A Crown Staffordshire powder blue ground gold plated chinoiserie inkwell early 1900s. Excellent quality inkwell gold gilt Chinese scenes Printed mark and of the dealer T Goode & Co. ...

French Porcelain and Bronze Encrier a Pompe, the floral gilt decorated blue porcelain vessel mounted on shell form inkwell base. 6.5" H x 5.75" W x 6" D. Provenance: From a 500 P...

19th Century English Silvered Metal 'Worried Knight' Inkwell Add a touch of classical whimsy to your home or office with our tole figural knight inkwell. Made in later 19th century ...

The Asprey Company is an iconic British luxury home goods maker, located in London, England and was established by William Asprey in 1781, They established their current residence in London on Bond Street between 1847 and 1859 after a couple of acquisitions. They were the Nieman-Marcus of the day and made only the finest products, utilizing the best quality materials; dealing in everything from jewelry to fashion, and appealing to those wanting to buy gifts for weddings, occasions, and events. This is a customized desk set, consisting of a crystal cut glass inkwell with a brass hinged lid, resting in a velvet lined well. Markings on the velvet lining under the inkwell indicate Asprey manufacture and Bond Street location “Asprey London, 166 Bond Street 22 Albemarle Street”. To the sides of the well are two Wedgwood cameos with the typical Greek mythology themed blue and white jasperware. Resting inside the recessed pen holder is a 14-karat gold nib pen marked “no. 3”, made by Aiken & Lambert, an American company (New York City) and manufacturer of fine quality gold fountain pens. Hand engraved brass mounts are applied to the surface, while the oval shaped inkwell and pen holder rests on three bun feet. The wood is an ebonized calamander (coromandel wood) which is a rare and valuable hardwood from Sri Lanka. Also included as part of the desk set is a hinged, fold over, double sided document holder with a blotter lined interior. The exterior of the document holder is also of calamander wood, with hand engraved brass mounts to the top surface. As with the desk inkwell and pen holder, the document holder has a Wedgwood blue and white jasperware cameo...

Charming 19th century Delft inkwell, hand-painted with stylized yellow blossoms and delicate green accents on a creamy glazed surface. The stepped design features two inkwell opening...

A lovely French Harlequin ceramic ink and pen holder by Aladin. The white ceramic piece features purple and gold accents throughout.

Early and original inkwell or quill pen holder in the form of a seated greyhound by Staffordshire. England, circa 1860. Features a finely execu...

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...

Rare Danish blue and white faience ink stand by Johan Ernst Pfau for Store Kongensgade Faience Manufactory, Copenhagen Denmark circa 1740. This inkwell retain with its original ink a...

Strasbourg chinoiserie inkwell. Antique double-pot faience handled encrier with quill pot and removeable ink pot and cover and sand pot, both wi...

Small famille verte porcelain inkwell decorated with enameled flowerpots, foliage, and stylized rinceaux. The inkwell is set on a gilt bronze b...

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...

Antique Old Vienna Paris Porcelain Inkwell and Ink Blotter Desk Set - 2 Pc Set. item features Painted scenes, beautiful color, crown mark to inkwell, ver nice antique set. Circa Ear...

19th C. Antique writing stand desk Office Inkwell Center Piece Chinese Porcelain . This beautiful garniture on a desk a table or a console will a...

Beautiful heart shaped faience inkwell by the french artist Henri Delcourt. Monogrammed at the bottom " HDV". One tint cup and three holes for feather pens. Faiences are open-pored ...

An inkwell and pen holder, made of painted ceramic, depicting the character of Pierrot from the Commedia dell'Arte. Austria circa 1930.

Gilded bronze and turquoise enameled earthenware inkstand by Theodore Deck from the Napoleon III period, 19th century. Inkwell by Theodore Deck, from the Napoleon III period, 19th c...

Gilded bronze and enameled earthenware inkstand, Japanese style, Napoleon III era, 19th century. Japanese inkstand, from the Napoleon III period, 19th century, enameled earthenware ...

Antique French Porcelain Inkwell with Embossed Detailing and Gold Accents - Early 20th Century. Step back in time with this exquisite...

A stunning and rare French mid-19th century encier in Louis Revival taste with Moorish Arabesque influence. Handcrafted in Champlevé enameled gilt bronze with ornate and colorful blue, pink, red, green and white enameling over the heavily shaped and scalloped base, that borders the stunning Severes style (I have not removed it to check for a makers mark) enameled porcelain tray scene of frolicking putti. The stunning enameling continues on the raised inkwell body and hinged lid with finial. Opposite, two raised balls act as a pen rest, the inkstand raising on four ball feet. Similar to French cloisonne, each champlevé design is a one-of-a-kind work of art. A beautiful warm verdigris patina adds to its character and charm. This wonderful antique objet...

A beautiful and exceptionally high quality French early 19th century Louis XV st. Sèvres Porcelain and ormolu inkwell, signed Sèvres. The inkwell is raised by striking pierced scrolled foliate ormolu movements in a most decorative satin and burnished finished. At the center is the finely detailed Sèvres Porcelain tray...

The underside of the cherry-blossom decorated palanquin forming the shade over the court figure with phoenix resting on the gilt-bronze mounted carton Pierre panel.

With removable globe cover revealing a removable ink-pot. The Chinese Buddha holding a quill holder in his left hand.

Beautiful 19th century French porcelain inkwell from the imperial manufacture of Sevres. Green and gold decor with dolphin's head. Stamped Sevres at the back. Rare item.

Antique English Victorian Brass Inkstand with Gold Enameled Cobalt Bottles, Circa 1865-1885.

19th Century Staffordshire Creamware Phrenology Head Inkwell, Stamped “55” An unusual and highly evocative 19th-century Staffordshire phrenology head inkwell, executed in creamware ...

A blue, green and gold stoneware desk writing set with four pieces and golden bronze details, A French Art Nouveau desk set, circa 1900, composed of a ceramic and gilt bronze inkwell...

Exquisite Antique French Gold Bronze, Hand-Painted Porcelain & Lacquer Inkwell, Circa 1870-1880.

Chinoiserie surface with rocaille bronze borders and holding three holders one for a sander and one ink and other pens. Porcelain likely by Samson.

Impressed "Moore" on the bottom of the base.

A sensational and extremely high quality French mid 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu and Sèvres porcelain inkwell. The inkwell is raised by c...

Cute antique inkwell in shape of a shoe. The original ceramic ink insert is existing.

An antique Staffordshire dog, Whippet porcelain inkwell. Circa 1880, England

Small inkwell crafted in porcelain, the paunch and lid decorated with a frieze of polychromatic floral motives highlighted with gold. The lid topped by a pine cone finial features a ...

An Ensemble de Bureau in the Louis XVI Taste Constructed using gilt bronze, and 'Sevres' style porcelain having 'Bleu de Roi' borders, and hand p...

Antique French Rococo style gilt pewter and porcelain inkwell from circa 1900, marked "Chatelain". This beautifully shaped gilt pewter inkwell is adorned with flowers in the center ...

A good French inkwell faience with great colors and details. Minors chips on the edges but overall condition. Signed CA,, with number 820. From Alcide Chaumeil's atelier in Paris ac...

Inkwell with Integrated Pump Mechanism Origin: France Material: Brass, porcelain, nickel-plated metal Date: Circa 1900 Dimensions: H × Ø: 8 × 14 cm Description: This French inkwel...

This is an exquisite porcelain gilded and enameled inkstand in the Sèvres style, from France. Nineteenth century. The inkwell features an elongated shaped tray with two covered ink p...

A Louis-Philippe Gothic Revival gilt and patinated bronze inkwell Rising from two-tone gilt bronze bracket feet, the patinated bronze rectangular inkwell having a band of circular...

This charming and highly decorative antique Spanish inkwell is crafted in the traditional Talavera de la Reina style, likely dating to the late 18th or early 19th century. The square...