Metal Inkwells

An exceptional French bloodstone and sterling silver mounted inkwell, dating to circa 1920, distinguished by its elaborate sculptural silverwork, richly colored polished stone, and f...

Finely Crafted Cloisonné Enamel Inkwell in Gilt Bronze France, late 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 6 x 11 x 7 cm Elegant inkwell made of gilt bronze with an elaborately execu...

Antique Silver Inkwell & Document Box. No apparent hallmarks so we are assuming this is silver plate.

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...

This is a 1930s French Art Deco style silvered spelter desk inkwell with wise owl motif. It has the original porcelain insert. The architectural form depicting wonderfully detailed r...

A sleek embodiment of refined minimalism, this Modernist Sterling Silver Ballpoint Pen, signed by Angela Cummings and dating to circa 1990, is an outstanding example of late 20th-cen...

Finely Crafted Cloisonné Enamel Inkwell in Gilt Bronze France, late 19th century Dimensions: H x W x D: 6 x 7 x 7 cm Finely Crafted Cloisonné Enamel Inkwell in Gilt Bronze Finely...

A beautiful Arts & Crafts period Nautical gilt bronze double inkwell with pen tray By Silver Crest (the mark of Smith Metal Arts Co.), an offshoot of Heintz Art Metal Shop USA, Ear...

Antique American Bronze Black Americana Sculpture Johnny Griffin Inkwell American Bronze, glass c. 1900 Dimensions: H x W x D: 6.5cm x 8.5cm x ...

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.

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

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...

A charming antique British novelty inkstand by the renowned Walker & Hall, imaginatively fashioned around a golfing theme. Crafted in silver-plated metal, this unusual desk accessory...

Maitland-Smith Egyptian Revival inkwell desk set featuring a tomb form stamp box with a sphinx mounted on either side. The front section has a recessed pen tray. The piece is made of...

Bronze inkwell by H.Luppens & Cie, Bruxelles, Belgium, 1900 Famous bronze company of Brussels of the 19th century. The H.Luppens & Cie Foundry had its workshops in Saint-Gilles, 15 ...

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, ...

Antique inkwell from gilded brass. France, 1840-1860.

An Exquisite Example of an Early Rosewood Travelling Writing Slope of fairly large proportions of Continental origin, possibly French. Circa first half of the Nineteenth Century prob...

Incredible black marble inkwell that is truly an objet d'arte, having two lyrical bronze ducks with bone beaks, as though perched at the side of a pond and two square ink wells lined in brass. Looks like it could be by the artist, Andre Villien...

Antique Art Nouveau double inkwell on sterling silver tray by J E Caldwell & Co., circa 1900. This stunning piece features two square crystal wells with etched floral designs in the ...

This exceptional Art Deco fountain pen, crafted by Esterbrook in America circa 1935, embodies the sleek geometric design principles of the period...

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...

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...

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...

Cut Crystal Inkwell with Silver-Plated Screw Cap England Cut crystal, silver-plated metal Early 20th century Dimensions: H × W × D: 6.1 × 4.2 × 4.2 cm Description: A small, well-p...

Large Victorian Glass Ship's Inkwell. This antique cut-glass inkwell, dating from the Victorian era, is a beautifully crafted writing accessory featuring elegant brass hinged fitting...

A fine antique 19th century French Empire style gilt bronze & marble double inkwell eagle desk set, circa 1880. This very elegant antique inkwell desk...

This very handsome gilt bronze and glass inkwell will make any desk look important. Signed, Tiffany Studios guarantees quality. The design is of the metalwork is striking and the g...

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...

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...

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...

This whimsical Jugendstil desk inkwell is cast as a grotesque bird, featuring a long hinged beak lid and rounded body raised on three webbed feet. Designed by Joseph Reinemann’s Muni...

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...

A heavy antique brass ship captain’s inkwell. 2 ¾ inches wide by 2 ¾ inches tall

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...

Architectural Gothic tracery forms the decorative skirt of this substantial Victorian deskstand, presenting an arcade of cusped arches, spire-like pilasters and a pierced foliate gal...

Circa 1850 Middle Eastern Islamic brass inkwell & pen case (Qalamden). Solid brass with cast parts. The case's sides are engraved with geometric designs. 9.5" x 2 1/8" x 1.5" h. Whi...

Black and white glass ink well Brass nickel platend

A beautifully crafted polished bronze elephant inkwell that vividly captures the late 19th-century fascination with the exotic. Reflecting the Orienta...

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...

Victorian English Brass Figural Pig Inkwell with Articulated Back Lids, c. 1875 Consists of four pieces, The figural pig, glass inkwell with domed brass cap, A small porcelain cup fo...

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts or Art Deco period "Grapevine" pattern gilt bronze and Favrile slag glass inkwell By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Ce...

Cut Crystal Inkwell with Gilt Metal Mount Origin: France Material: Cut crystal, gilt metal Date: Early 20th century Dimensions: H × W × D: approx. 9 × 8 × 8 cm Description: Square...

German Shepherd Dog Crystal Inkstand / Inkwell Desk Piece Desk decorative inkwell. The base of the inkstand is made of clear crystal, intricately cut glass with a pattern that reflec...

A beautiful Arts & Crafts period sterling silver on bronze inkwell By Silver Crest (the mark of Smith Metal Arts Co.), an offshoot of Heintz Art Metal Shop USA, Early 20th Century ...

Art Nouveau style brass inkwell, France, circa 1900, with an elegant and symmetrical design typical of late 19th-century aesthetics. This piece features an architectural composition, with two side compartments shaped like basins and a central vertical element that serves as a handle or support. The brasswork reveals subtle variations in patina, ranging from bright gold to more matte shades. The decorative details, particularly the undulating motifs and curved lines, evoke the organic influence characteristic of Art Nouveau. Both a functional antique object and a refined decorative piece, this inkwell will add a touch of elegance to a desk or library. Style : Art Nouveau Belle Époque Antique Decorative Organic Main Features : Brass Inkwell France, circa 1900 Symmetrical Design Two Side Compartments Central Vertical Element (Hole or Stand) Wavy Decorative Motifs Beautiful Antique Patina Antique and Decorative Desk Item Keywords : antique brass inkwell...

Art Deco inkwell, circa 1920. Portor marble base surrounded by a wrought iron frieze decorated with leaves. Stamped E. Brandt. In perfect condition. Height: 7.5 cm Width: 13.5 cm Le...

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

European spider table lamp, c. 1925. Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, full insurance coverage, and reliable handling. While standard pa...

An Art Deco Swedish hammered silver ink well with silver pen. It is a complete set made and marked by the same maker Kynning Silvervaruverkstad GV ...

Inkwell glass and nickel combination around 1920s Original condition.

A brass Art Nouveau period ink blotter. Beautiful Art Nouveau details captured in blotters' handle. Use for its intended purpose or as a standalone piece decorative object on a desk,...

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...

Antique Vienna Bronze Parrot Bird Sculpture Inkwell

Antique French Heavy Glass Hand Blown Lidded Inkwell Impressive handblown clear glass heavy inkwell with bronze lid. The robust mushroom shaped inkwell is created with heavy handblo...

An exceptional, documented 1896 Victorian equestrian taxidermy inkwell, commissioned to commemorate a cherished horse named "Dandy." Mounted by the prestigious Army & Navy Co-Operative Society Ltd. (A. & N.C.S. Ld.), this piece exemplifies late-19th-century British memorial taxidermy and campaign-era luxury craftsmanship. The real preserved hoof is accented with silver-toned square nails around the wall and fitted with a heavy brass hinged lid stamped "DANDY" across the top. The front toe of the fitted brass shoe is hand-engraved with the date "AUG. 24TH 1896." The brass shoe base is stamped on the underside with the maker's hallmark: "MOUNTED BY THE A & N.C.S. Ld". Opening the hinged lid reveals the internal cavity designed to hold a glass ink reservoir (insert missing). Victorian horse hoof inkwells mounted by tier-one London stores like Army & Navy or Rowland Ward hold significant appeal among militaria, equestrian, and oddities collectors. An exceptional, documented 1896 Victorian equestrian taxidermy inkwell, commissioned to commemorate a cherished horse named "Dandy." Mounted by the prestigious Army & Navy Co-Operative Society Ltd. (A. & N.C.S. Ld.), this piece exemplifies late-19th-century British memorial taxidermy and campaign-era luxury craftsmanship. The real preserved hoof is accented with silver-toned square nails around the wall and fitted with a heavy brass hinged lid stamped "DANDY" across the top. The front toe of the fitted brass shoe is hand-engraved with the date "AUG. 24TH 1896." The brass shoe base is stamped on the underside with the maker's hallmark: "MOUNTED BY THE A & N.C.S. Ld". Opening the hinged lid reveals the internal cavity designed to hold a glass ink reservoir (insert missing). Victorian horse hoof inkwells mounted by tier-one London stores like Army & Navy or Rowland Ward hold significant appeal among militaria, equestrian, and oddities collectors. Good, age-appropriate antique condition. The horse hoof wall is solid and stable with natural wear and graining. The brass displays a rich, untouched historic patina with minor surface scratches, small dents, and light oxidation expected on late-19th-century brassware. The hinge opens smoothly. Missing the removable interior glass well insert. Keywords: Victorian horse hoof inkwell, 1896 horse hoof inkwell, Army Navy Co-Op Society inkwell, ANCS Ltd taxidermy, Dandy horse inkwell...

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...

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...

Handsome sterling silver antique inkwell has a lovely, simple design and was made by William Harrison Walter, circa 1905. It has a high polished profile, with a hinged lid and is wei...

Large Art Deco Brass Desk Stand with Three Faceted Glass Inkwells, Circa 1900-1920 DESCRIPTION A substantial early 20th century brass desk stand fitted with three clear faceted glas...