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Inkwells For Sale
Renaissance Inkwell Calamelli workshop, Italy, Faenza, second half of the 16th
By Virgiliotto Calamelli
Located in Milano, IT
Inkwell Calamelli workshop (attr.). Faenza, second half of the 16th century Height 4.33 in; length 8.07 in; depth 2.95 in (11 cm; 20.5 cm; 7.5 cm) Weight: 0.800 lb (363 g) State of conservation: some chipping to the top of the mask around the mouth. Handle glued, without any restorations; minor chips in some raised areas. This object has the shape of a foot wearing Greek-style footwear, as can be seen in some raised areas. The foot is anatomically modeled with bare toes, while the ankle is partially covered by the footwear. On the heel, there is a small circular handle to support the object. The mouth of the container is shaped like a mask. The interior, completely enameled, suggests that the piece was intended to be used as an inkwell or to contain some other liquid. The base, however, is not enamelled. The painted decoration, scant and brief, consists of rapid cobalt blue shading between the toes of the foot, with more precise emphasis on the nails. It is accompanied by yellow citrine accents to enhance the forms. The mask is painted with the tip of the brush, to accentuate the tense nature of the eyes and to accentuate their outline. Thin strokes of yellow-orange line the interior of the mouth. Since the Renaissance, this decoration has been referred to as "compendiaria" and it characterizes the period of production extending from the mid-16th century to approximately the middle of the following century. It significantly influenced tastes at the time. It evolved from the polychrome style "istoriato" and transformed into a new style that "summarized" (compendia), or condensed, the ornamentation of the works into a few colors, placing greater prominence on the shapes. It was often inspired by metal specimens. Since the Renaissance, this decoration has been referred to as "compendiaria" and it characterizes the period of production extending from the mid-16th century to approximately the middle of the following century. It significantly influenced tastes at the time. It evolved from the polychrome style "istoriato" and transformed into a new style that "summarized" (compendia), or condensed, the ornamentation of the works into a few colors, placing greater prominence on the shapes. It was often inspired by metal specimens. This artwork finds parallels in similar objects all characterized by this refined style and produced in the city of Faenza and other Italian centers starting from the mid-16th century. The closest comparable example in majolica is a foot acquired by the British Museum in 2011 (inv. 2011, 8008.1). This was previously published by Carmen Ravanelli Guidotti in 1996 and later by Dora Thornton in 2016 during the conference on Renaissance ceramics...
Category

16th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Inkwells

Materials

Maiolica

Antique French Gold Bronze Louis XV Style Inkwell circa 1880-1890
Located in New Orleans, LA
Antique French gold bronze Louis XV style inkwell, circa 1880-1890.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

French Louis XVI Style Champlevé and Ormolu Inkwell Circa 1890
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
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...
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Travel Inkwell in leather with a Count`s Crown, probably early 18th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Very charming Travel Inkwell in leather with a Count`s Crown, probably early 18th Century. Nice patina with some wear. See pictures. Wear consistent with age and use.
Category

Early 18th Century European Baroque Antique Inkwells

Materials

Sheet Metal

20th Century Italian Bronze Inkwell with Bull Heads and Putti Embracing Lion
Located in Milano, MI
From Italy an early 20th century bronze inkwell resting on a double circular marble base, in black marble and Italian Alpi green marble. The body of the inkwell has a tripod base with taurine legs decorated by alternating masks of putti, grapes and and bulls’ heads. The cover is surmounted by the figure of an angel embracing a lion. Garlands of flowers and human masks throughout the basement. The ink glass is missing. In good condition with a beautiful patina. Height 18.5 cm x diameter 13 cm A rare antique desk...
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Bronze

Vintage Montblanc Meisterstück 'Gold-Coated' 149 Fountain Pen
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine German fountain pen. By Montblanc. In the Meisterstuck 149 pattern. The so-called 'gold-coated' model (ie gold plated) with a 14 karat yellow gold nib. Marked to the nib ...
Category

Late 20th Century German Inkwells

Materials

Gold Plate

Desk Set in Elegant Art Deco from 1930s
Located in Knivsta, SE
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...
Category

1930s European Art Deco Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Antique English Novelty Equestrian Inkwell, Horse, circa 1880
Located in Bath, GB
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...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Cool Ink Well designed as a Godin iron stove from the late 19th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
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...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Iron

Antique Green Cut Uranium Glass Inkwell
Located in Vienna, AT
A stunning green inkwell with dore bronze setting. The inkwell has a amazing bright green color and it is made out of green uranium glass. When you illum...
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Uranium Glass

19th Century English Silvered Metal 'Worried Knight' Inkwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
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 ...
Category

Late 19th Century English Renaissance Antique Inkwells

Materials

Metal

Gilt Art Nouveau Portrait Casket Double Inkwell WMF (Attrib.)
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
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...
Category

Early 20th Century German Art Nouveau Inkwells

Materials

Metal

Art Nouveau Bat Inkwell by Unknown French Artist
Located in Chicago, US
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, ...
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

20th Century Marble French Art Deco Inkwell, 1930
Located in Vicoforte, Piedmont
French marble inkstand from the Art Deco era. Inkwell for antique dealers and collectors of excellent quality and difficult to find. Object built with different marble elements appli...
Category

Mid-20th Century French Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Marble

Antique Inkwell, Gilded Bronze, Thatched Roof Cottage, Circa 1880
Located in Greven, DE
Exceptional antique inkwell made from bronze, gilded. Little house with cute details. Nice bronze work, beautifully chiseled. The original glass insert is existing. A similar inkwell...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Inkwells

Materials

Gold, Bronze

Early and Rare Royal Copenhagen Writing Set with Two Inkwells, circa 1850s
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Early and rare Royal Copenhagen writing set with two inkwells. hand-painted with flowers. Stamped, circa 1850s. 1st. factory quality, in good condition, one lid with small c...
Category

1850s Danish Biedermeier Antique Inkwells

Antique French Louis XV Style Bronze Ormolu Inkwell Signed Van De Voorde
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Dimensions: Height: 6 1/2 in Width: 15 3/4 in Depth: 9 in This antique French Louis XV style bronze ormolu inkwell is truly a sight to be seen! If we take a look at the photos prov...
Category

20th Century French Louis XV Inkwells

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Chinese Ink Box Crafted from Bronze with Character Engravings C. 1900
Located in Jimbaran, Bali
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...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Tiffany Studios New York Chinese Pattern Large Bronze Inkwell, Circa 1910
Located in South Bend, IN
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. ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique Black Forest Inkwell, Wood, 1920-1930
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful handmade Black Forest inkwell. Around 1920 / 1930. Depiction of a chamois. Wood with glass eyes.
Category

1920s Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Glass, Wood, Nutwood, Walnut

Black and White Glass Inkwell
Located in Wien, AT
Black and white glass ink well Brass nickel platend
Category

1920s Austrian Art Deco Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Early 20th Century Polished Brass Renaissance Style Inkwell
Located in Casteren, Noord-Brabant
An antique ink stand, made of polished brass, completely in Renaissance style, with richly pieced scroll motifs. The inkwell has two removable ink we...
Category

Early 1900s French Renaissance Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Hand-Carved Wooden and Glass Inkwell with Dog Figure, 1920s
Located in Barntrup, DE
Beautiful Black Forest style hand-carved linden wood inkwell with a realistic dog figure with glass eyes. The stand includes a designated rest for pens and accessories in the front, ...
Category

1920s Swiss Black Forest Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Glass, Wood

French Louis XVI Style Champlevé and Ormolu Inkwell Circa 1890
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
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...
Category

Late 19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Crystal Inkwells and Pen Trays Desk Set by Jacques Adnet and Baccarat, France
Located in North Miami, FL
Early 20th century Art Déco crystal desk set of inkwells and pen Trays by Jacques Adnet manufactured by Baccarat, France By: Jacques Adnet, Baccarat Material: glass, crystal Techniq...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Crystal

English Equestrian Horseshoe Silver Plate & Oak Desktop Inkwell Inkstand c. 1900
Located in Pearland, TX
A superb antique English Edwardian silverplate and oak inkwell inkstand with a pen rest, circa 1900. This fine inkstand has the original lovely cut cr...
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Silver Plate

Tiffany Studios Bronze Inkwell New York Bookmark Pattern
Located in Toledo, OH
Lovely bronze inkwell from Tiffany Studios in the New York Bookmark pattern. Beautifully detailed octagonal design with round lid. Marked Tiffany Studios 1094. 3" x 3" x 2 1/2" tall.
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique English Novelty Inkwell - Brass Tortoise / Turtle c.1890
Located in Bath, GB
A handsome antique English inkwell cast in solid English brass in the form of a Tortoise retaining his original glass eyes. The lid lifts to ...
Category

1890s British Late Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Art Nouveau writing accessoire Carl Witzmann Wiener Werkstätte 1917
Located in Klosterneuburg, AT
Writing accessoire with two inkwells, model no. 2216 - Mszas 2, Carl Witzmann, Wiener Werkstätte, 1917 Bib.: photograph preserved in the Wiener Werktätte photo archives at the Austr...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Inkwells

Materials

Silver

Antique Green Cut Uranium Glass Inkwell
Located in Vienna, AT
A stunning green inkwell with dore bronze setting. The inkwell has a amazing bright green color and it is made out of green uranium glass. When you illum...
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Uranium Glass

Antique French Gilt Bronze Desk / Inkwell Tray with Sévres Porcelain Plaques
Located in Toronto, ON
A stunning French gilt bronze table inkwell tray or desk tray, adorned with exquisite Sèvres soft paste porcelain inset plaques. These hand-painted plaques showcase exceptional craft...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Neo-Classical Style Gilt Bronze Desk Inkwell
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a 19th century French gilt bronze inkwell. Perfect coffee table art or desk statement piece. It is in very good condition and unmarked.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Art Nouveau Viper Lamp by Unknown French Artist
Located in Chicago, US
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...
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze, Brass

French Art Deco Marble and Bronze Ink Well
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French Art Deco marble inkwell with bronze details and well atop. The size and wonderful art deco detail make for this piece a complement to ma...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Belgian Black Marble, Bronze

Antique Inkwell Tatum’s Standard Crystal Well 3 Pen Quill Rests Hinged Lid
Located in San Diego, CA
Antique Ink Well Tatum’s Standard, crystal well, 3 pen quill rests, hinged lid. This piece is cast iron and crystal. It is a beauty!
Category

20th Century American Victorian Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Iron

19th Century Gilt Bronze Inkwell Stand Set with Ink Blotter and Candleholder
Located in Frankfurt am Main, DE
Portuguese Baroque style solid gilt bronze desk set of double inkwell Stand, ink blotter and candleholder, Portugal 1870-1880 All three pieces richly decorated with foliage features,...
Category

Late 19th Century Portuguese Baroque Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Napoleon III Bronze Grand Tour Novelty Drum Desk Inkwell 1850
Located in Portland, OR
A good antique French 'Grand Tour' bronze novelty inkwell modeled as a drum, circa 1850. The inkwell is finely & realistically cast as a French Revolutionary period drum. The inkwell...
Category

1840s French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

English Victorian Period 1890s Stamped Silver Inkstand with Crystal Inkwells
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English stamped silver inkstand from the late 19th century, with two crystal inkwells. Born during the later years of Queen Victoria's reign, this ex...
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Silver

Antique Silverplated Fox-themed Inkwell by James Deakin & Sons, England
Located in Leesburg, VA
James Deakin & Sons Ltd. Sheffield, England; ca. 1897-1935 Silver plated copper and glass Approximate size: 11 (w) x 6 (h) x 6 (d) in. This lovely silver-plated inkwell features an...
Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Inkwells

Materials

Silver, Silver Plate, Copper

English Mappin & Webb Sterling Silver Georgian Style Double Inkwell, London 1892
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Antique Mappin & Webb Sterling Silver Double Inkwell—Georgian Style, London 1892 This rare antique Mappin & Webb sterling silver double inkwell, made in London in 1892, is a stunning Victorian-era desk accessory in the Georgian style. Made from solid sterling silver, the inkstand base features a gadrooned border and stands on ornate winged paw feet, showcasing exquisite 19th-century craftsmanship. The inkstand includes two finely cut glass inkwells with sterling silver lids and a central lidded compartment, originally designed for pen nibs, matches, or blotting sand. Today, it serves as the perfect storage for stamps, paperclips, or small desk accessories. The base is fitted with two integrated pen rests, offering both practicality and sophistication for any luxury office or study. This Victorian sterling silver inkwell is a collectible writing accessory, ideal for antique silver collectors...
Category

Late 19th Century English Georgian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver

20th Century Italian Sterling Silver Inkstand, hHandicraft made in Italy
Located in VALENZA, IT
The inkwell, rectangular in shape, was completely handmade obtained from a silver plate and finely embossed and chiseled with scrolls and flowers, typical of the Italian Baroque of t...
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Baroque Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian Thomas Hudson Barometric Ink Well Stand Pen Quill Holder 6"
Located in Dayton, OH
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...
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass, Pewter

Antique Victorian 1898 Sterling Silver Gallery Inkstand by John Grinsell & Sons
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver fox inkstand; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection. This exceptional, fine and impressive antique Victorian silver inkstand / desk standish, has a rectangular form. This inkstand is fitted with a gallery, embellished with impressive pierced and applied scrolling foliate ornamentation. The shaped, incurved rims of the body and anterior rim of the sterling silver inkstand are ornamented with a paralleling applied gadroon decorated border. The surface of the fox silver inkstand incorporates a concave oval pen receiver. The body of the inkstand incorporates two ink bottle receivers flanking a rectangular stamp box. The impressive hallmarked ink bottles each have a tapering cylindrical form and are embellished with further pierced scrolling foliate ornamentation; these ink bottles secure to the stand with a screw fitment to the underside. Each ink bottle is fitted with a plain domed hinged cover and opens to allow access to the original glass liner. The central sterling silver stamp box...
Category

1890s British Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

Tiffany Studios New York Bookmark Pattern Silver Gilt Bronze Inkwell
Located in South Bend, IN
A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period "Bookmark" pattern silver gilt bronze inkwell By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 3"W x 3"D x ...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

French Set of Champleve Enameled Small Inkwell and Letter Opener
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a small bronze champleve enamel set of an inkwell and letter opener. Both of them depicts colorful hand painted flowers, “C” scrolls and foliages. The resting plate of the in...
Category

Early 20th Century French Classical Roman Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique Sheffield England Double Inkwell Stand
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Beautiful Sheffield silver plated and cut glass double inkwell. The cut glass round inkwells with a Russian pattern with repousse hinged lids fit neatly onto the base which has a miniature candlestick...
Category

1880s English Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Sheffield Plate

Travel Inkwell in leather with a Count`s Crown, probably early 18th Century
Located in Knivsta, SE
Very charming Travel Inkwell in leather with a Count`s Crown, probably early 18th Century. Nice patina with some wear. See pictures. Wear consistent with age and use.
Category

Early 18th Century European Baroque Antique Inkwells

Materials

Sheet Metal

Giant Cut Glass Sterling Silver Inkwell
Located in Vienna, AT
A very nice example of a large glass inkwell with silver marked lid with a hallmark ingraved. To the back of the lid under the hinge are initials a...
Category

Early 20th Century German Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

Art Déco English Square Shapped Cut Glass/Crystal Inkwell with Brass/Bronze Top
Located in North Miami, FL
Art Déco english square shapped cut crystal inkwell with brass/bronze spherical top By: unknown Material: brass, bronze, cut glass, glass, metal, crystal, copper, zinc Technique: ca...
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Zinc, Copper, Metal, Bronze, Brass

William Comyns Victorian Repousse Sterling Silver and Crystal Inkwell 1895
Located in San Mateo, CA
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.
Category

Late 19th Century English Late Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Sterling Silver

Gilt Bronze and Champleve Enamelled Inkstand
Located in Cheshire, GB
19th Century gilt bronze and champlevé enameled inkstand with single well with hinge cover and pen rest. All raised up on bun feet. Dimensions H...
Category

Late 19th Century British Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

René Lalique Inkwell Nightlight Model with does Created in 1913
Located in NANTES, FR
Inkwell night light by René Lalique, in dark red pressed molded glass. Silvered bronze base. Electrified. 3 polished chips. Total height: 10 cm Width: 15cm Depth: 15cm Weight: 1,4 ...
Category

1910s French Art Deco Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

19th C. Antique Writing Stand Desk office Inkwell Center Piece Faience Porcelain
Located in West Hollywood, CA
19th C. Antique Writing Stand Desk office Inkwell Center Piece Faience Porcelain . This beautiful garniture on a desk a table or a console will a...
Category

Early 19th Century European Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Antique French Faience Quimper Style Inkwell, circa 1900
Located in Pearland, TX
A charming antique French provincial faience Quimper style inkwell from the French province of Saint-Quay-Portrieux, circa 1900. Signed on reverse. Thi...
Category

Early 1900s French French Provincial Antique Inkwells

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Late 19th Century Traveling Leather Inkwell Case with Glass Interior Well
Located in Stamford, CT
Late 19th century traveling oval leather inkwell with a glass interior well and a hinged lid. A nice pocket size inkwell, a great piece to be add to any collection. From a private collector who traveled the world buy unique and unusual pieces.
Category

Late 19th Century English Antique Inkwells

Materials

Leather, Glass

Antique Inkwell, Gilded Bronze, Antique Desk Utensil, French Pen Holder, Around
Located in Greven, DE
Beautiful antique inkwell made from gilded bronze. Nicely coloured ceramic parts. The plate is made of marble. Nice bronze work with a well preserved gilding. The original glass...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Antique Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Gold, Bronze

Tiffany Studios Zodiac Gilt Bronze Inkwell No. 1072
Located in Philadelphia, PA
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...
Category

Early 20th Century American Arts and Crafts Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Exceptional Quality Egyptian Revival Puma Raised Bi-Metal Desk Stand
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional quality Art Nouveau Egyptian revival Continental brass and copper desk stand raised on four puma feet and dating from the early 20th Century. Probably French the heavi...
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Inkwells

Materials

Brass, Copper

French Empire Style Ormolu Mounted Marble Desk Stand
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning French ormolu mounted Empire style marble desk stand dating from the 19th century. This stylish stand is of rectangular shape with rounded polished ends and is made from a...
Category

1860s French Empire Antique Inkwells

Materials

Marble

Jugenstile Bronze Fledermaus Inkwell
Located in Sharon, CT
Jugenstile cast bronze inkwell in the form of a bat (Fledermaus).
Category

Early 20th Century German Jugendstil Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Rococo Style Heavy Bronze Inkwell
Located in Guaynabo, PR
Embossing & chasing techniques are highlighted in the Rococo motifs of this gilt bronze inkwell. The inkwells are shaped as garlic domes. The exaggerated rocaille shaped tray with la...
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Rococo Revival Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

1930s Art Deco Portoro Marble Italian Inkwell and Signature Pad
Located in Aci Castello, IT
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...
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Inkwells

Materials

Marble

Kralik Loetz Art Nouveau Iridescent Glass Inkwell
Located in Vienna, AT
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...
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Ancient Islamic Persian Khurasan Silver Inlaid Bronze Caligraphy Inkwell 1200
Located in Portland, OR
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...
Category

15th Century and Earlier Persian Islamic Antique Inkwells

Materials

Silver, Bronze

Antique Art Nouveau Dachshund Ink Scraper in Cold-Painted Spelter
Located in Bad Säckingen, DE
Charming antique Art Nouveau ink scraper featuring a detailed dachshund figurine crafted in cold-painted spelter. This unique piece combines both functionality and decorative appeal,...
Category

1950s Austrian Art Nouveau Vintage Inkwells

Materials

Spelter

19th Century Italian Grand Tour Bronze Inkwell
By Severo Calzetta da Ravenna
Located in Miami Beach, FL
After a 16th century Venetian design, winged putti with taloned legs support a turned bronze inkwell covered with a lid decorated with masks and garla...
Category

19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

English Victorian Period 19th Century Porcelain Inkwell with Brass Putto Motif
Located in Atlanta, GA
An English Victorian period porcelain and brass inkwell from the 19th century, with putto motif. Created in England during the Victorian era, this inkwell features a blue porcelain base adorned with satyrs and foliage motifs, topped with a handsome brass putto with a garland of roses wrapped around his shoulders. With its finely executed décor and lovely patina, this Victorian porcelain and brass 19th century...
Category

19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Cartier 'Must de Cartier' Crystal Gilt and Silver Mellon Inkwell
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Cartier 'Must de Cartier' Crystal Gilt and Silver Mellon Inkwell France, Circa 1989 Cartier 'Must de Cartier' crystal gilt and silver mellon inkwell, made in France around 1989. This understated inkwell is a true representation of Cartier's renowned elegance and exquisite craftsmanship. The inkwell features a stunning crystal body with an opalescent lift top adorned with silver and gilt metal mounts, adding a luminous touch to the piece. The top lid is fully marked with numerous Cartier hallmarks, signifying its authenticity and origin from Cartier. The front of the melon-shaped crystal is elegantly enameled with the iconic Cartier logo in gilt enamel. Whether displayed on a writing desk or as a part of an exquisite collection, this Cartier inkwell...
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Inkwells

Materials

Crystal

Art Nouveau Frog Inkwell by Émile Müller
Located in Chicago, US
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...
Category

1880s French Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells

Materials

Earthenware

Art Nouveau Brass Ink Blotter
Located in New York, NY
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,...
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Vintage Parisian Ink Tray, French, Pewter Brass, Desktop Inkwell, Art Deco, 1930
Located in Hele, Devon, GB
This is a vintage Parisian ink tray. A French, pewter brass desktop inkwell in Art Deco taste, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930. Alluring tonality and form, to this fin...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Art Deco Antique Inkwells

Materials

Brass, Pewter

French Empire period Inkwell, identical to the one of Elisa Bonaparte
Located in Paris, FR
Empire period gilt bronze and bird's eye maple veneer inkwell. This model is an exact replica of the inkwell that belonged to Elisa Bonaparte, Princess of Lucca and Piombino, sister...
Category

1810s French Empire Antique Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Avatar UR Demo Amber Fountain Pen
Located in Milan, IT
Fashioned of transparent, amber-hued UltraResin - an incredibly shock-resistant and pure material developed by Pineider - this fountain pen with soft-close cap lock was designed to k...
Category

2010s Italian Inkwells

Materials

Resin

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.

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