Metal Inkwells

19th/20th century Chinese enamel and jade, inkwell with pen. Stone carved and pierced. Pen 7.5 in length.

An Exceptionally Fine Quality English Well Figured Solid grained Mahogany Officers Campaign Style Traveling Writing Slope of outstanding quality and unusually large size. First quart...

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...

Inkwell with Cloisonné Enamel Origin: France Material: Bronze with polychrome cloisonné enamel Date: Circa 1870–1890 Dimensions: H × W × D: 8 × 8 × 8 cm Description: This small in...

This is an early 20th century highly decorative French gilt bronze, malachite and faux malachite inkstand with dual inkwells. The base is a mix of faux malachite and malachite veneer...

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...

Louis XV style inkstand with chinoiserie design, lacquered top. This rare and stylish inkstand is a work of the house Boin-Taburet, goldsmith in Paris. This impressive size inkstand...

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...

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period "Chinese" pattern gilt bronze inkwell By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 5"W x 5"D x 3.13"H. ...

Massive Art Nouveau Bronze Poseidon Inkwell, by Hans Müller Austrian, circa 1900. Behold the Art Nouveau Bronze Poseidon Inkwell, a masterpiece attributed to the skilled hands of Ha...

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...

Jugenstile cast bronze inkwell in the form of a bat (Fledermaus).

A refined antique inkwell, with two inkwells made of bronze, including glass cups. The base is made of veneered marquetry wood with a diamond pattern, framed in a bronze rim, resting...

Antique Art Deco Green Onyx Gold Champlevé Enamel Office Inkwell Ink Pen Stand Continental Onyx, metal, champlevé enamel c. 1920 Dimensions: H x W x D: 10.5cm x 16.5cm x 12.5cm T...

Small and elegant crystal inkwell with a brass collar with a square base and faceted lid makes a wonderful accent on your desk or table top. Ink-well, ink well, inkwell.

This exquisite antique inkwell is a stunning example of Art Nouveau design, shaped like a grotto shell and inscribed with "Souvenir du Croisir," capturing the romantic essence of a b...

This piece of nineteenth-century French elegance is sure to be the envy of any collector. The Napoleon III gilt bronze inkwell is a prized find, crafted in circa 1840 France with int...

A striking Art Deco bronze inkwell designed by renowned Danish metalsmith Just Andersen, circa 1930s. This minimalist yet bold piece features a stepped, geometric inkwell form integr...

Late 19th century Napoleon III 'Vieille Garde' sculpture with inkwells and marble base inkstand by Armand Le Véel and Susse Frères, France By: Armand Le Véel, Susse Frères Material:...

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period "Zodiac" pattern gilt bronze inkwell By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 4.25"W x ...

A 19th century Middle Eastern, Asian brass decorated Islamic Moorish Qalamdan. The Qalamdan is an inkwell in solid brass. It consists of an inkwell and a pen compartment of typical tubular form with an interior cavity to store a reed pen. Attached to the body is an inkwell with engraved designs with a shell style cover. The piece measures 9 1/2" inches long x 2" inches high x 2" inches deep. Great brass decorative Islamic Metal...

Empire Inkwell on Circular Base Origin: France Material: Gilt bronze (Ormolu) Date: Circa 1800–1810 Dimensions: H × D: approx. 16 × 19 cm Description: Classical-style inkwell in t...

Inkwell with Butterfly Finial Origin: Probably France Material: Gilded metal with floral engraving and enamel decoration Date: Circa 1870–1890 Dimensions: H × D: 11 x 15 cm Descri...

Large Victorian inkwell by William Comyns. This has a repousse sterling design over a heavy crystal inkwell. The hinged lid is monogrammed with a JP. The piece is dated 1895.

Antique iridescent purple glass inkwell by Kralik in the "Pampas" decor, i.e. a Kralik decor shift on Loetz Pampas. Lobed square form with typical trailed...

Great fun for a gardening afficionado - a delightful desk accessory wether you're planning a beautiful garden, tending a beehive, ordering new seeds for the season or wish for a an uplifting reminder at your work space of the bounty and beauty of nature... France, 19th century This fabulous antique French gilt bronze inkstand has a beehive central well with a hay stack cover, several bees on the surface, flanked by two bronze baskets with covers laden with fruit, flowers and wheat sheaves, at the base of one sits a bird leaning over a large basket with a container for sand in the shape of a large bunch of wheat tied with a rope and a bird perched on top as a cover. The back of this fantasy is composed of a group of garden implements which include a sickle, a spade, a trowel, a scythe, ring pliers and a pitch fork tied with an attractive bow and hung with garlands of flowers, masses of grapes, wheat forming a support for a quill. The base designed as naturalistic wood logs topped with rustic wood...

French Victorian bronze square inkwell with 2 cornucopia pen holders. Previously broken hinge, inkwell lid is not attached

A late 19th century silver plate mounted horse hoof inkwell, the lid and horseshoe of silver plate, the hinged lid opening to the glass inkwell wit...

A very elegant desk set in art deco probably from 1930s or earlier. The desk set is made of patinated brass and consists of two parts. An ink stand with pen stand and a rocker blotter...

These exquisite 19th-century bronze parakeet on perch candlestick inkwells showcase the fine craftsmanship of the era. Each inkwell features a beautifully designed parakeet with a hi...

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period "Bookmark" pattern gilt bronze inkwell By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 4.25"W x 4.25"D x 2...

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.

Antique 19th century library writing barometric / barometer pen holder and ink stand, Circa 1860s-1880s. Made of brass featuring pewter inkwell with glass dome reservoir and slots f...

Inkwell in gilded bronze and crystal from the second half of the 19th century Original gilding in perfect condition 19th century, Napoleon III 8.2 x 10.6 cm, total height 8.2 cm

English Inkwell with Faceted Crystal Body Origin: United Kingdom, Birmingham Material: Cut crystal, sterling silver mount Date: 1905 Dimensions: H × Ø: 13 × 9 cm Description: This...

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...

A Chinese Ink Box crafted from bronze, with engraved Chinese characters from the early 20th century. This item may also be used to store a collection o...

Antique 19th C. Ottoman Turkish Brass Inkwell Qalamdan with Arabic Calligraphy Writing.An antique 19th century brass decorated Islamic Turkish Qalamdan.An antique Turkish Brass...

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.

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, ...

19th Century small French antique engraved brass Inkwell in Louis XV style signed in the bottom in very good authentic condition.

FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING Modelled as a Peregrine Falcon Bird of Prey From our Decorative collection, we are pleased to offer this French Peregrine Falcon Bird of Prey Inkwell. The...

A magnificent and grand late Victorian Austrian desk set, made from cast bronze, beautifully finished in gold. The cast Owl is a figural inkwell ...

Sterling mounted horse hoof inkwell marked by the maker C & Co. from Chester, and date marked 1920. Great piece for display on a shelf or desk.

A fine quality Georgian III period silver plated inkstand by celebrated English silversmith Matthew Boulton, displaying all of the timeless eleganc...

Cartier 'Must de Cartier' Crystal and Silverplate Melon Inkwell France, Circa 1989 Dimensions: 3.25" diameter x 2.75" high A refined and elegantly crafted melon-form inkwell from th...

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...

French Art Nouveau desk table lamp by Charles Schneider (Epinay-sur-Seine, Paris), France, C.1920 on stylised bronze base. The base also with concealed opening for an inkwell. The glass shade was made of blown double glass. Measures approximately 14.00 x 8.00 x 6.00 inches. Lamp shade, white, orange, and amber yellow. Signed Schneider on the shade (difficult to photograph see photos), also with signed base for probably the foundry. The Schneider Glassworks, established by brothers Charles and Ernest Schneider in Epinay-sur-Seine, France, in 1917. Very small chip to top shade fitting, see last photograph. The Schneider Glassworks, established by brothers Charles and Ernest Schneider in Epinay-sur-Seine, France, in 1917, was among the leading producers of fine-art glass between the two world wars, creating exuberantly colorful vessels...

A gorgeous antique Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period gilt bronze partner's inkwell with desk tray featuring the iconic Zodiac pattern By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) Ne...

Edwardian inkwell with clock and barometer, 1912. Massive clear glass cube with chamfered edges and brilliant-cut underside. Short neck in sterling...

An antique ink stand, made of polished brass, completely in Renaissance style, with richly pieced scroll motifs. The inkwell has two removable ink we...

A gorgeous Art Deco period patinated bronze inkwell featuring symbols of the Zodiac By Tiffany Studios New York, USA, early 20th century Measures: 4"W x 4"D x 2"H. Good o...

Inkwell Grand Tour Neoclassical Patinated Bronze Marble Campaign Grand Tour neoclassical patinated bronze campaign inkwell. Finely cast and chased patinated bronze inkwell decorated...

Cut Crystal Inkwell with Faceted Hinged Lid Origin: likely Central Europe Material: colorless lead crystal, brass Date: circa 1900 Dimensions: H × W × D: 11 × 11 × 11 cm Descriptio...

An important Islamic Khurasan bronze and silver-inlaid inkwell & cover, Eastern Persia, Circa 1200. The inkwell of cylindrical form and having a shallow dome top cover with a tall knopped finial and inlaid with a twin band of scrolled silver. The base of the dome and the rim of the cover having bands on interlaced silver inlay, the inkwell having three loop handles. The body of the inkwell having two bands of silver inlaid Naskh script, between the bands are twin panels...

Faceted Amethyst Glass Inkwell with Brass Lid Origin: France Material: glass, brass Date: circa 1900 Dimensions: H × D: approx. 6 × 12 c...

A wonderful and rare large figural inkwell, beautifully executed in the form of an Owl with fine detail. The hinged head lifts to reveal a fitted ink chamber which looks to be a ...

A Very Fine Rouge Griotte Marble Inkwell with Bronze Statuettes representing "Night & Day" by Michelangelo, crystal ink containers with elaborate gilt bronze covers. France, circ...

French Art Nouveau (Secessionist-style) bronze dore double inkwell with floral design and green fabric under glass base.

Maritime Inkwell with Anchor Mount France, circa 1880 H × W × D: 12 × 10 × 8 cm Description: A rare maritime-themed inkwell featuring a prominent sculptural anchor motif. The dark...