European Inkwells

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...

This is a wonderful, large antique Victorian Egyptian revival inkstand by the Sheffield silversmith Henry Wilkinson & Co, Circa 1890 in date. It features a pair of cut glass detacha...

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...

Very precious Italian inkwell and signature pad with original paper. It's made with very rare portoro marble, particular for its black with brown and gold veins. Price is for the com...

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

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, ...

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.

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...

Great Baccarat inkwell with extensive crystal cut. Places for pens are at each side. France, late 19th century. .

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...

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...

A quite stunning French green glass inkwell of substantial size, with extremely elegantly worked neoclassical mounts, intricate scrolling .The level of detail on this piece is quite...

Cut Crystal Inkwell with Hinged Silver-Plated Lid England or France Cut crystal, silver-plated metal Late 19th century Dimensions: H × W × D: 7 × 5 × 5 cm Description: A compact i...

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...

Black and white glass ink well Brass nickel platend

Franz Bergman Style 19th-Century Austrian Bronze & Coconut Camel Inkwell A rare and whimsical 19th-century Austrian figural inkwell in the Franz Bergman...

Townshend Art Metal Workers. Birmingham. An Anglo-Japanese brass pen/quill tray with a pair of porcelain inkwells decorated with cherry blossoms. Impressed makers mark.

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 handsome Victorian novelty inkwell, cast in bronze in the form of a King Charles Spaniel, beautifully executed with two lovely glass eyes. The underside is inscribed with a roma...

An outstanding late Victorian inkwell made from two cattle horns and mounted with silver plated fittings, a stunning combination and always highly sought-after; I haven't had one of ...

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 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...

“Idleness is the mother of all vices” by Line Vautrin. Natural bamboo inkwell. The gilded bronze lid is finely carved with a rebus, the bamboo interior houses a small glass receptacl...

Classic early 1890s Black Forest Brienz wood carved inkwell in form of a walnut on a leaf. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of hand carved wood and gl...

Inkwell with Enamel Decoration and Onyx Plate Origin: Probably France Material: Gilded metal, champlevé enamel, onyx Date: Circa 1870–1890 Dimensions: H × W × D: 9 × 12 ×13 cm Des...

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...

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...

The lacquer ground with a strong burgundy undertone. Well carved , colored and other wise decorated . The porcelain well in good Antique condition . Minor wear due to age and use .

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...

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...

A wonderful and very large example of a figural Black Forest inkwell in the form of a Dog's head, with a beautiful bright patina. He retains his original large glass eyes, without d...

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...

French Art Deco Dodo Bird Inkwell by Maurice Frécourt, 1920s A striking and highly decorative French Art Deco inkwell by the noted sculptor Maurice Frécourt (1890–1961), created dur...

This striking 1930s Art Deco Italian inkstand is a beautiful testament to the era's streamlined elegance, masterfully carved from a solid piece of onyx marble with rich, warm honey a...

Italian 1920s Art Deco wrought iron and marble bird inkstand.

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...

A Viennese Austrian art deco desk inkwell. This is a beautiful desk inkwell created in Vienna Austria during the art deco period, between the 1918 and 1922. This Viennese inkwell wa...

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...

Dimensions - H: 7 1/2in W: 10 1/2in D: 7 3/4in This Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Style Champlevé and bronze Ormolu Inkwell is truly a sight to be seen! If we take a look at t...

A superbly carved figural Black Forest inkwell in the form of a Dog's head, with great detail and retaining two large glass eyes. The hinged lid opens to reveal an inner ink chamber...

A fine and early Regency period rosewood writing desk set beautifully decorated with delicate mother-of-pearl foliate inlay and complete with its original cut-glass inkwells. This el...

Little is known about the origins of this amazing lamp, apart from it being from France, circa 1900. Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, f...

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...

An early 20th century, Jugendstil period inkwell by Erhard und Sohne. Austria ca. 1910 .Burl wood with Brass inlay  .Beautiful crafted piece .

Faithful copy of the writing service by the silversmith Pietro Rubini, Milan c.1775 The inkstand is composed of a shaped tray supported by 4 rocailles feet, modeled along the entire profile by finely embossed and chiselled volutes, leaves and shells. Above the tray are two ink holders and two pen holders with spiral workmanship and highly embossed vegetable decorations. A bell in the center of the object rests on a FASTIGIO pierced with flowering vines. By Fiorentini, Argenterie di Milano - Italy for ARVAL ARGENTI VALENZA Italian silverware...

This is only the second time in many years of being in the antiques business that I have come across this wonderful figural equestrian inkwell. B...

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

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...

Important Napoleon III lion inkwell, 19th century In veined yellow Siena marble, centered with a lion's head with a long mane in bronze with dark patina, surrounded by two finely chi...

Elegant vintage inkwell featuring a clear faceted crystal glass base with a hinged sterling silver lid. The geometric cut crystal body paired with the polished silver top creates a r...

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...

A very nice quality French Japonisme Style inkwell Attributed to l'Escalier de Cristal, circa 1880 Resting on a diamond-shaped polychromed hand-painted porcelain tray representing l...

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...

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...

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...

Inkwell glass and nickel combination around 1920s Original condition.

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 ...

Beautiful Black Forest style hand-carved wooden double inkwell with a majestic owl figure sitting on two books. The owl has glass eyes, and the Stand has a tray for pen and accessori...

19th Century English Brass Inkwell & Writing Desk Set, c.1880 A charming Victorian-era brass inkwell and writing desk set from c.1880, offering both functionality and decorative app...

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