Skip to main content

Regency Inkwells

REGENCY STYLE

Like France’s Empire style, Regency-style furniture was rooted in neoclassicism; the characteristics of its bedroom furniture, armchairs, dining room tables and other items include clean lines, angular shapes and elegant details.

Dating roughly from the 1790s to 1830s, antique Regency-style furniture gets its name from Prince George of Wales — formally King George IV — who became Prince Regent in 1811 after his father, George III, was declared unfit to rule. England’s Regency style is one of the styles represented in Georgian furniture.

George IV’s arts patronage significantly influenced the development of the Regency style, such as the architectural projects under John Nash, which included the renovation of Buckingham House into the formidable Buckingham Palace with a grand neoclassical facade. Celebrated designers of the period include Thomas Sheraton, Henry Holland and Thomas Hope. Like Nash, Hope instilled his work with classical influences, such as saber-legged chairs based on the ancient Greek klismos. He is credited with introducing the term “interior decoration” to English with the 1807 publishing of Household Furniture and Interior Decoration.

Although more subdued than previous styles like Rococo and Baroque, Regency interiors incorporated copious use of chintz fabrics and wallpaper adorned in chinoiserie-style art. Its furniture featured fine materials and luxurious embellishments. Furniture maker George Bullock, for instance, regularly used detailed wood marquetry and metal ornaments on his pieces.

Archaeological discoveries in Egypt and Greece informed Regency-era details, such as carved scrollwork, sphinxes and palmettes, as well as the shape of furniture. A Roman marble cinerary chest, for example, would be reinterpreted into a wooden cabinet. The Napoleonic Wars also inspired furniture, with martial designs like tented beds and camp-style chairs becoming popular. While the reddish-brown mahogany was prominent in this range of pieces, imported woods like zebrawood and ebony were increasingly in demand.

Find a collection of antique Regency tables, seating, decorative objects and other furniture on 1stDibs.

14
to
1
8
3
14
14
14
134
89
86
33
31
25
16
16
14
13
13
11
10
5
4
2
1
12
2
Height
to
Width
to
10
8
5
3
2
12
10
10
1
1
1
Style: Regency
Antique Chinese Japanese Bronze Inkwell Male Bust Pair French Ormolu Desk Set
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Very stylish patinated bronze desk inkwell modelled as a bust of a Chinese or Japanese figure wearing a straw hat, together with a pair French or...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Antique Chinese Japanese Bronze Inkwell Male Bust Pair French Ormolu Desk Set
Antique Chinese Japanese Bronze Inkwell Male Bust Pair French Ormolu Desk Set

Antique Chinese Japanese Bronze Inkwell Male Bust Pair French Ormolu Desk Set

Antique French English Rosewood Brass Inlaid Boulle Writing Slope Box Desk 19thC
Located in Dublin, Ireland
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...
Category

19th Century English Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Antique French English Rosewood Brass Inlaid Boulle Writing Slope Box Desk 19thC
Antique French English Rosewood Brass Inlaid Boulle Writing Slope Box Desk 19thC

Antique French English Rosewood Brass Inlaid Boulle Writing Slope Box Desk 19thC

Spanish Writing Slope Box in Walnut and Leather
Located in Barcelona, ES
Elegant hand crafted walnut writing slope with marquetry stripe details Leather writing surface on op Above the slope there is a compartment for storage writing implenments and two i...
Category

20th Century Spanish Regency Inkwells

Materials

Wood, Walnut, Leather

Spanish Writing Slope Box in Walnut and Leather

Spanish Writing Slope Box in Walnut and Leather

Antique English Regency Inkwell Mahogany Cristal Glas Brass Mounts
Located in Munich, DE
We see an important regency inkwell crafted out of mahogany with brass decorations in England, circa 1810. Measurements are taken without the crystal inkwells.
Category

1810s English Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Mahogany

Antique English Regency Inkwell Mahogany Cristal Glas Brass Mounts
Antique English Regency Inkwell Mahogany Cristal Glas Brass Mounts

Antique English Regency Inkwell Mahogany Cristal Glas Brass Mounts

Early 19th Century Bronze and Ormolu Encrier
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century bronze and ormolu Encrier having lyre and flower handle flanked by engine-turned inkwells with penholders, raised on platform base ...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Early 19th Century Bronze and Ormolu Encrier
Early 19th Century Bronze and Ormolu Encrier

Early 19th Century Bronze and Ormolu Encrier

Antique French Gilt Bronze Inkwell on Rouge Marble Stand, 19th Century
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique French gilt bronze inkwell on rouge marble stand. It is of superb quality and features a central figure of Diana The Huntress. Provenance: From the estate of Texas Oil...
Category

19th Century Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Gilt Bronze Inkwell on Rouge Marble Stand, 19th Century
Antique French Gilt Bronze Inkwell on Rouge Marble Stand, 19th Century

Antique French Gilt Bronze Inkwell on Rouge Marble Stand, 19th Century

Inkwell Regency Gilded Bronze Porcelain England \\\'800
Located in Milano, IT
Porcelain inkwell, with a shaped body entirely enamelled with chinoiserie-style motifs: there are large red flowers on a decorated blue background, on the sides two reserves in which...
Category

19th Century English Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Inkwell Regency Gilded Bronze Porcelain England \\\'800
Inkwell Regency Gilded Bronze Porcelain England \\\'800

Inkwell Regency Gilded Bronze Porcelain England \\\'800

Rare Early 19th Century George IV English Porcelain Inkwell by Coalport
By Coalbrookdale Foundry
Located in Dublin 8, IE
Rare early 19th century George IV English porcelain inkwell by Coalport in the naturalistic form. Referred to as ‘Coalbrookdale’ this piece has been modeled in the form of a lemon fr...
Category

19th Century English Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Porcelain

Rare Early 19th Century George IV English Porcelain Inkwell by Coalport
Rare Early 19th Century George IV English Porcelain Inkwell by Coalport

Rare Early 19th Century George IV English Porcelain Inkwell by Coalport

English Regency Inkwell in Patinated Bronze and Ormolu with Dolphin Mount
Located in London, GB
English Regency patinated bronze and ormolu double inkwell. Set upon a rectangular base with mercury gilt ormolu moulding of "stiff leaf and dart" design. The inkwell holder itself, ...
Category

1810s English Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

English Regency Inkwell in Patinated Bronze and Ormolu with Dolphin Mount
English Regency Inkwell in Patinated Bronze and Ormolu with Dolphin Mount

English Regency Inkwell in Patinated Bronze and Ormolu with Dolphin Mount

Regency period bronze and ormolu gothic encrier
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century Regency period bronze and ormolu encrier, having inkwells and star pierced sander, contained in Gothic fret body, supported on leaf decorated plinth base.
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Regency period bronze and ormolu gothic encrier
Regency period bronze and ormolu gothic encrier

Regency period bronze and ormolu gothic encrier

English 20th Century Sterling Silver and Tortoise Shell Inkwell
Located in Stamford, CT
Stunning sterling silver inkwell with an inlaid tortoise shell lid. Circa 1912. Glass liner is missing.
Category

20th Century English Regency Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

English 20th Century Sterling Silver and Tortoise Shell Inkwell
English 20th Century Sterling Silver and Tortoise Shell Inkwell

English 20th Century Sterling Silver and Tortoise Shell Inkwell

Early 19th Century Regency Period Bronze and Ormolu Encrier
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century Regency period bronze and ormolu encrier, having penholders and triple inkwells with leaf cast lids contained in leaf decorated classical bath, supported on wre...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Early 19th Century Regency Period Bronze and Ormolu Encrier
Early 19th Century Regency Period Bronze and Ormolu Encrier

Early 19th Century Regency Period Bronze and Ormolu Encrier

English Regency Desk Set in Form of British Sailors Defending a Fort with Mortar
Located in London, GB
An extremely rare and very unusual bronze desk set in the form of British sailors ( or Jack Tars) defending or more likely attacking a fort with mortars. Set on bun feet with what ap...
Category

1810s English Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

English Regency Desk Set in Form of British Sailors Defending a Fort with Mortar
English Regency Desk Set in Form of British Sailors Defending a Fort with Mortar

English Regency Desk Set in Form of British Sailors Defending a Fort with Mortar

19th Century English Silver and Tortoise Inkwell Signed Mappin and Webb
Located in Southampton, NY
19th century English Mappin and Webb silver and tortoise inkwell with original glass liner for the ink.  
Category

19th Century European Antique Regency Inkwells

19th Century English Silver and Tortoise Inkwell Signed Mappin and Webb
19th Century English Silver and Tortoise Inkwell Signed Mappin and Webb

19th Century English Silver and Tortoise Inkwell Signed Mappin and Webb

Related Items
A Rare 19th Century Killarney Ware Marquetry Writing Slope, Ireland Circa 1875
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
A very handsome & relatively rare Killarney Ware marquetry writing slope / lap desk, the yew wood case is constructed with two fold-over panels decorate...
Category

Late 19th Century Irish Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Other

A Rare 19th Century Killarney Ware Marquetry Writing Slope, Ireland Circa 1875
A Rare 19th Century Killarney Ware Marquetry Writing Slope, Ireland Circa 1875

A Rare 19th Century Killarney Ware Marquetry Writing Slope, Ireland Circa 1875

H 3.5 in W 12.25 in D 10 in
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 Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Gilt Bronze Inkwell Stand Set with Ink Blotter and Candleholder
19th Century Gilt Bronze Inkwell Stand Set with Ink Blotter and Candleholder

19th Century Gilt Bronze Inkwell Stand Set with Ink Blotter and Candleholder

H 4 in W 11 in D 8 in
Onyx and Bronze Inkwell Desk Set
Located in Stamford, CT
Onyx and bronze inkwell desk set depicting Louis Pasteur. A nicely cast bronze with double ink holders on an onyx pen and pencil base.
Category

1920s Vintage Regency Inkwells

Onyx and Bronze Inkwell Desk Set
Onyx and Bronze Inkwell Desk Set

Onyx and Bronze Inkwell Desk Set

H 7.5 in W 15 in D 6 in
Antique English Bronze, Brass and Glass Inkstand / Inkwell, circa 1870 Victorian
Located in Bath, GB
A truly unusual and quite spectacular Victorian inkstand made from cast polished bronze standing on cast reticulated feet. The gallery around the back is also pierced or reticulated ...
Category

1870s English Antique Regency Inkwells

Antique English Bronze, Brass and Glass Inkstand / Inkwell, circa 1870 Victorian
Antique English Bronze, Brass and Glass Inkstand / Inkwell, circa 1870 Victorian

Antique English Bronze, Brass and Glass Inkstand / Inkwell, circa 1870 Victorian

Free Shipping
H 4 in W 8.5 in D 10 in
19th Century Bronze Inkwell
Located in Delft, NL
19th century bronze inkwell A bronze inkwell in 2 colors in a sleek round shape with 2 armrests with the head of a dragon to lay a pen on. The lid of...
Category

19th Century European Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Bronze Inkwell
19th Century Bronze Inkwell

19th Century Bronze Inkwell

H 5.12 in Dm 5.91 in
19th Century French Paperweight Bronze Dog Sculpture on Grey Marble Stand
By Christophe Fratin
Located in Dallas, TX
This antique dog sculpture paperweight was created in France, circa 1880. Standing on an oval grey and white marble base with bottom felt, the s...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Marble, Bronze

19th Century French Paperweight Bronze Dog Sculpture on Grey Marble Stand
19th Century French Paperweight Bronze Dog Sculpture on Grey Marble Stand

19th Century French Paperweight Bronze Dog Sculpture on Grey Marble Stand

H 4 in W 6.75 in D 3.5 in
French Empire Napoleon III Bizantine Bronze Ormolu Inkwell or Inkstand
Located in Miami, FL
Exquisite Bizantine French 19th century Empire Napoleon III gilded bronze inkwell. This handcrafted antique desk accessory bears the makers mar...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

French Empire Napoleon III Bizantine Bronze Ormolu Inkwell or Inkstand
French Empire Napoleon III Bizantine Bronze Ormolu Inkwell or Inkstand

French Empire Napoleon III Bizantine Bronze Ormolu Inkwell or Inkstand

H 4.25 in W 7.25 in D 5 in
Late 19th Century 'Sormani' Ormolu Inkwell
By Paul Somani
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality late 19th century gilded ormolu desk inkwell, stamped; Sormani, Paris. Having wonderful stylized scrolling foliate and shell like decoration, with a hinged central lid...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Ormolu

Late 19th Century 'Sormani' Ormolu Inkwell
Late 19th Century 'Sormani' Ormolu Inkwell

Late 19th Century 'Sormani' Ormolu Inkwell

H 3.94 in W 8.67 in D 5.91 in
19th Century Gilt Bronze French Inkwell
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Beautiful mid-19th century gilt bronze French inkwell. Measures: 6 1/2' wide by 4" deep by 4 3/4" tall.
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Gilt Bronze French Inkwell
19th Century Gilt Bronze French Inkwell

19th Century Gilt Bronze French Inkwell

H 4.75 in W 6.5 in D 4 in
Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Inkstand 'Encrier'
Located in Kittery Point, ME
The rectangular base mounted with a round lidded ink pot with a porcelain container and a sand pot, each raised on winged lion feet, centered by a ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Inkstand 'Encrier'
Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Inkstand 'Encrier'

Empire Gilt and Patinated Bronze Inkstand 'Encrier'

H 5.25 in W 5 in D 2.38 in
English Desk Set Inkwell
Located in Westwood, NJ
An early English Queen Anne brass inkwell desk set with a walnut base on brass feet.
Category

Early 19th Century Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Brass

English Desk Set Inkwell
English Desk Set Inkwell

English Desk Set Inkwell

H 4 in W 8.25 in D 7.125 in
Early 19th Century Standish
Located in Westwood, NJ
An early 19th century English gilt bronze desk set Standish with handle, cartouche mount, and unusual shell form feet.
Category

19th Century English Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Early 19th Century Standish
Early 19th Century Standish

Early 19th Century Standish

H 8.5 in W 6 in D 6 in
Previously Available Items
A Regency period large bronze and ormolu inkstand
Located in London, GB
A large early 19th Century Bronze and Ormolu Pen tray having well scrolled handles, glass inkwells and central taperstick, supported on Lions paw feet.
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

A Regency period large bronze and ormolu inkstand
A Regency period large bronze and ormolu inkstand

A Regency period large bronze and ormolu inkstand

H 6 in W 13 in D 8 in
Antique Victorian Brass Bound Traveling Desk Mahogany Wooden Writing Slope Box
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An exceptionally fine early English well figured solid plum-pudding grained mahogany ladies or gents travelling writing slope of outstanding quality and generous proportions. First q...
Category

19th Century English Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Antique Victorian Brass Bound Traveling Desk Mahogany Wooden Writing Slope Box
Antique Victorian Brass Bound Traveling Desk Mahogany Wooden Writing Slope Box

Antique Victorian Brass Bound Traveling Desk Mahogany Wooden Writing Slope Box

H 6.5 in W 16 in D 9.5 in
Coalport Inkwell, White with Flowers Style of William Pollard, Regency, ca 1820
By Coalport Porcelain
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful inkwell made by Coalport in about 1820, which was the Regency era. It is decorated with beautiful flowers in the manner of William Pollard...
Category

1820s English Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Porcelain

Coalport Inkwell, White with Flowers Style of William Pollard, Regency, ca 1820
Coalport Inkwell, White with Flowers Style of William Pollard, Regency, ca 1820

Coalport Inkwell, White with Flowers Style of William Pollard, Regency, ca 1820

Free Shipping
H 2 in Dm 3.5 in
Mid-A 19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Boat-Shaped Pentray
Located in London, GB
A mid-19th century French bronze and ormolu ribbed and scrolled hull boat-shape pen-tray, raised on serpent feet and handles, fitted with glass inkwells and lidded wafer box with acorn handle.
Category

19th Century English Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

Mid-A 19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Boat-Shaped Pentray
Mid-A 19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Boat-Shaped Pentray

Mid-A 19th Century French Bronze and Ormolu Boat-Shaped Pentray

H 3.15 in W 5.71 in D 4.14 in
19th Century Regency Period Rectangular Bronze & Ormolu Pentray
Located in London, GB
An early 19th century Regency period rectangular bronze & ormolu pen tray, having splayed carrying handles with cut-glass inkwells centered with wafer-box surmounted by well-cast gre...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

19th Century Regency Period Rectangular Bronze & Ormolu Pentray
19th Century Regency Period Rectangular Bronze & Ormolu Pentray

19th Century Regency Period Rectangular Bronze & Ormolu Pentray

H 5 in W 13 in D 7.5 in
Antique 19th Century English Regency Style Inkstand
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Beautiful rosewood inkstand with 2 glass inkwells with a center square glass canister. The top with a place for pens on the front and back with a slim drawer for paper. Each side wit...
Category

1880s English Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Glass, Rosewood

Antique 19th Century English Regency Style Inkstand
Antique 19th Century English Regency Style Inkstand

Antique 19th Century English Regency Style Inkstand

H 6.75 in W 15.5 in D 10.5 in
Antique French Ormolu Bronze Desk Ink Set Encrier Acanthus Grand Tour Regency
Located in Dublin, Ireland
Stunning French “Grand Tour” Ormolu & Patinated Bronze Desk Set, Encrier or Pentray, of outstanding quality and compact proportions, early Nineteenth Century, possibly Regency period...
Category

19th Century French Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze

Antique French Ormolu Bronze Desk Ink Set Encrier Acanthus Grand Tour Regency
Antique French Ormolu Bronze Desk Ink Set Encrier Acanthus Grand Tour Regency

Antique French Ormolu Bronze Desk Ink Set Encrier Acanthus Grand Tour Regency

H 4.25 in W 4.5 in D 3.25 in
Rare Pearlware Ink Stand with Pineapple-Shaped Candleholder, Sewells, Newcastle
Located in Downingtown, PA
Rare Pearlware Ink Stand with pineapple-shaped candleholder, Sewells, St. Anthonys Pottery, Newcastle, Circa 1804-20. A wonderful pearlware inkstand complete with all its parts. The...
Category

Early 19th Century English Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Ceramic, Pearlware, Pottery

Rare Pearlware Ink Stand with Pineapple-Shaped Candleholder, Sewells, Newcastle
Rare Pearlware Ink Stand with Pineapple-Shaped Candleholder, Sewells, Newcastle

Rare Pearlware Ink Stand with Pineapple-Shaped Candleholder, Sewells, Newcastle

H 5.5 in Dm 7.5 in
French English Rosewood Brass Inlaid Boulle Writing Slope Box Desk, 19th Century
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An exquisite example of an early rosewood writing slope of small proportions of English origin, circa first half of the 19th century probably Fr...
Category

19th Century English Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Brass

French English Rosewood Brass Inlaid Boulle Writing Slope Box Desk, 19th Century
French English Rosewood Brass Inlaid Boulle Writing Slope Box Desk, 19th Century

French English Rosewood Brass Inlaid Boulle Writing Slope Box Desk, 19th Century

H 3.75 in W 14 in D 9.5 in
French English Rosewood Brass Inlaid Boulle Writing Slope Box Desk 19th Century
Located in Dublin, Ireland
An exquisite example of an early rosewood writing slope of small proportions of Continental origin. Circa first half of the 19th century probably French or English Regency period. ...
Category

19th Century English Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Brass

French English Rosewood Brass Inlaid Boulle Writing Slope Box Desk 19th Century
French English Rosewood Brass Inlaid Boulle Writing Slope Box Desk 19th Century

French English Rosewood Brass Inlaid Boulle Writing Slope Box Desk 19th Century

H 3.75 in W 14 in D 9.5 in
Pietra Dura Inkstand with Bronze, Malachite, Hardstones, English Regency Period
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large English Regency inkstand originally created for a partner's desk with a bronze handle of entwined serpents. The matching blown crystal inkpots have lids with embossed crowns. T...
Category

19th Century English Antique Regency Inkwells

Materials

Stone, Marble, Bronze

Pietra Dura Inkstand with Bronze, Malachite, Hardstones, English Regency Period
Pietra Dura Inkstand with Bronze, Malachite, Hardstones, English Regency Period

Pietra Dura Inkstand with Bronze, Malachite, Hardstones, English Regency Period

H 6 in W 14 in D 10.25 in
Wonderful English Sterling Silver Crystal Partner Desk Inkwell Set
Located in Roslyn, NY
A wonderful English sterling silver and crystal partner desk inkwell set, marked "M Sterling handmade" Approximate 36 Oz.
Category

20th Century English Regency Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

Wonderful English Sterling Silver Crystal Partner Desk Inkwell Set
Wonderful English Sterling Silver Crystal Partner Desk Inkwell Set

Wonderful English Sterling Silver Crystal Partner Desk Inkwell Set

H 4 in W 11.25 in D 8.75 in

Regency inkwells for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Regency inkwells for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 20th Century, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage inkwells created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include decorative objects, serveware, ceramics, silver and glass and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with metal, bronze and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Regency inkwells made in a specific country, there are Europe, England, and United Kingdom pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original inkwells, popular names associated with this style include Coalbrookdale Foundry, Coalport Porcelain, and Parkins & Gotto. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for inkwells differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $370 and tops out at $5,755 while the average work can sell for $1,739.

Recently Viewed

View All