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Rococo Inkwells

ROCOCO STYLE

Rococo was an aesthetic movement in the fine and decorative arts in the 18th century that found its inspiration in nature and fostered an overall lightness and delicacy of form, construction and ornament in interior design. Rococo furniture, while greatly influenced by trends in Italy and Germany, is often called Louis XV style — the movement having reached its best expression during that sybaritic French king’s reign.

The term “rococo” is thought to be a portmanteau of the French words rocaille and coquilles — “rock” and “shells” — organic motifs frequently used in architecture and design of the style.

When it comes to authentic Rococo furniture's characteristics, it is above all sensuous and social. The furniture of earlier eras in Europe had been heavy in every sense; the Rococo period saw the appearance of light-framed upholstered armchairs, side chairs and occasional tables that could easily be moved to form conversational circles.

The signal detail of Rococo furniture design is the gently curved cabriole, or S-shaped chair-, table-, and cabinet-leg. It imitates the bend of a tree limb or a flower stem. In a further reference to nature, furnishings were often asymmetrical and painted white, or in soft, pastel shades. Rococo has become a timeless style, and as the furniture pieces presented on 1stDibs demonstrate, its playful, sculptural forms can provide visual excitement to contemporary, clean-lined spaces.

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Style: Rococo
Ceramic Inkwell, Talavera De La Reina, Spain, 18th Century
By Talavera de la Reyna
Located in Madrid, ES
Talavera Inkwell, 18th century. Glazed pottery Talavera ceramic inkwell, decorated with cobalt blue enamel on a white tin slip with restorations" Size: 16 x 16 x 7 cms.    
Category

18th Century Spanish Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic Inkwell, Talavera De La Reina, Spain, 18th Century
Ceramic Inkwell, Talavera De La Reina, Spain, 18th Century

Ceramic Inkwell, Talavera De La Reina, Spain, 18th Century

$1,007
19th Century Antique French Inkwell in Gilded Brass and Porcelain
Located in Bradenton, FL
Beautiful Antique 19th century painted and gilded brass inkwell. Floral motif with pink rose on handle. 'Made in France' on underside.  
Category

19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Brass

19th Century Antique French Inkwell in Gilded Brass and Porcelain
19th Century Antique French Inkwell in Gilded Brass and Porcelain

19th Century Antique French Inkwell in Gilded Brass and Porcelain

$730
Exquisite Rococo Gilt-Bronze Malachite Encrier Inkwell Desk Set ca. 1880
Located in Shippensburg, PA
ROCOCO ORMOLU-MOUNTED MALACHITE VENEERED ENCRIER Circa 1880 unmarked of exceedingly fine quality Item # 404XKP19B An exceedingly fine malachite veneered encrier (inkwell), it feat...
Category

19th Century Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Malachite, Bronze, Ormolu

Exquisite Rococo Gilt-Bronze Malachite Encrier Inkwell Desk Set ca. 1880
Exquisite Rococo Gilt-Bronze Malachite Encrier Inkwell Desk Set ca. 1880

Exquisite Rococo Gilt-Bronze Malachite Encrier Inkwell Desk Set ca. 1880

$4,500
Continental Very Unusual Gilt Metal Rheinstone Set Globe Shaped Inwell
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Very unusual antique continental gilt metal pedestal Rheinstone set globe shaped inkwell dating from the 19th century. The inkwell, possibly Russian or French stands raised on four b...
Category

19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Metal

Continental Very Unusual Gilt Metal Rheinstone Set Globe Shaped Inwell
Continental Very Unusual Gilt Metal Rheinstone Set Globe Shaped Inwell

Continental Very Unusual Gilt Metal Rheinstone Set Globe Shaped Inwell

$672
An Early 19th Century Paris Porcelain Inkstand
By Jacob Petite
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A whimsical porcelain inkstand attributed to Jacob Petit, born Jacob Mordecai, was a well-known and celebrated French manufacturer of porcelain in the 19th Century. The spaniel dog s...
Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Porcelain

An Early 19th Century Paris Porcelain Inkstand
An Early 19th Century Paris Porcelain Inkstand

An Early 19th Century Paris Porcelain Inkstand

$2,250
Superb French Rococo Style Bronze Double Inkwell for Desk
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
Bronze. 2 glass inserts. 2 5/8" h x 7 3/4" w x 5 1/4" d. Condition Minor gilt loss. Dimensions 3 x 8 x 6 in
Category

1920s French Vintage Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Superb French Rococo Style Bronze Double Inkwell for Desk
Superb French Rococo Style Bronze Double Inkwell for Desk

Superb French Rococo Style Bronze Double Inkwell for Desk

$995
Very Fine Linke Figural Doré Bronze Crystal Inkwell Ormolu Drawer Candelabra
By François Linke
Located in Roslyn, NY
Extremely fine cherub figural two-tone doré bronze with original crystal inkwells and ink inserts attributed to F. Linke. The two cherubs sit atop this beautiful bronze piece which i...
Category

1890s French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Very Fine Linke Figural Doré Bronze Crystal Inkwell Ormolu Drawer Candelabra
Very Fine Linke Figural Doré Bronze Crystal Inkwell Ormolu Drawer Candelabra

Very Fine Linke Figural Doré Bronze Crystal Inkwell Ormolu Drawer Candelabra

$2,950 Sale Price
25% Off
Antique French Rococo Style Gilt Pewter and Porcelain Inkwell Signed Chatelain
Located in Barntrup, DE
Antique French Rococo style gilt pewter and porcelain inkwell from circa 1900, marked "Chatelain". This beautifully shaped gilt pewter inkwell is adorned with flowers in the center ...
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Pewter

Antique French Rococo Style Gilt Pewter and Porcelain Inkwell Signed Chatelain
Antique French Rococo Style Gilt Pewter and Porcelain Inkwell Signed Chatelain

Antique French Rococo Style Gilt Pewter and Porcelain Inkwell Signed Chatelain

$622
Fine French Late 19th Century Gilded Ormolu Rococo Style Inkwell by Millet
By Aimé Millet
Located in Brighton, Sussex
A fine quality late 19th century gilded ormolu inkwell Rococo influenced inkwell, having scrolling foliate decoration to the whole, two lidded inkwells, signed; Millet, Paris Mais...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Ormolu

Fine French Late 19th Century Gilded Ormolu Rococo Style Inkwell by Millet
Fine French Late 19th Century Gilded Ormolu Rococo Style Inkwell by Millet

Fine French Late 19th Century Gilded Ormolu Rococo Style Inkwell by Millet

$6,174
Rare 18th Century German Faience Rococo Encrier Inkstand Stockelsdorf
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
The form of this rare encrier is based on the model of the known faience master Johann Georg Buchwald, who produced it first in the manufacture of Marieberg, later also in Eckernförd...
Category

Late 18th Century German Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Faience

Rare 18th Century German Faience Rococo Encrier Inkstand Stockelsdorf
Rare 18th Century German Faience Rococo Encrier Inkstand Stockelsdorf

Rare 18th Century German Faience Rococo Encrier Inkstand Stockelsdorf

$12,925
French Bronze “Looking for Milk” Inkwell circa 1880 Style of Henri Picard
By Henri Picard
Located in Atlanta, GA
French Bronze “Looking for Milk” Inkwell circa 1880 Style of Henri Picard. French, circa 1880. A finely cast inkwell or storage box constructed in two parts. The top having a young ...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

French Bronze “Looking for Milk” Inkwell circa 1880 Style of Henri Picard
French Bronze “Looking for Milk” Inkwell circa 1880 Style of Henri Picard

French Bronze “Looking for Milk” Inkwell circa 1880 Style of Henri Picard

$1,036 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique French Solid Silver Gilt Rococo Style Inkwell / Stand, Emile Puiforcat
By Emile Puiforcat
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this magnificent French silver gilt inkstand made circa late 19th/early 20th century by one of the most important Parisian silversmiths: Puiforcat. Puifo...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Vermeil, Sterling Silver

Antique French Solid Silver Gilt Rococo Style Inkwell / Stand, Emile Puiforcat
Antique French Solid Silver Gilt Rococo Style Inkwell / Stand, Emile Puiforcat

Antique French Solid Silver Gilt Rococo Style Inkwell / Stand, Emile Puiforcat

$1,852
Louis XV Style Inkwell, Designed by Léon Messagé and Cast By Barbedienne
Located in Brighton, West Sussex
A Rare Louis XV Style Gilt-Bronze Inkwell. Designed by Léon Messagé and Cast By The Ferdinand Barbedienne Foundry, Paris. Designed in the exuberant Rococo style surmounted by a sea...
Category

19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Ormolu

Louis XV Style Inkwell, Designed by Léon Messagé and Cast By Barbedienne
Louis XV Style Inkwell, Designed by Léon Messagé and Cast By Barbedienne

Louis XV Style Inkwell, Designed by Léon Messagé and Cast By Barbedienne

$38,416
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19th Century Sewing Box by Maison Aucoc, Paris
By A. Aucoc
Located in Paris, FR
Late 19th century oval sewing box decorated with crowned monogram. The case contains five gold and steel sewing utensils embellished with small flowers. Labeled on the inside: AUCOC A PARIS. Weight: 27.6 g, circa 1860 Dimension: W 4.5 in, D 2.4in, H .8in. Dimension: L 11.5cm, P 6cm, H 2cm. La Maison Aucoc...
Category

19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Gold, Steel

19th Century Sewing Box by Maison Aucoc, Paris
19th Century Sewing Box by Maison Aucoc, Paris

19th Century Sewing Box by Maison Aucoc, Paris

$2,964
H 0.79 in W 4.53 in D 2.37 in
Early Villeroy & Boch Stoneware Inkstand
By Villeroy & Boch
Located in Forney, TX
An extremely scarce early Villeroy & Boch pottery deskset stand. The pristine German antique, circa 1860, was masterfully handcrafted in Mett...
Category

19th Century German Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Pottery

Early Villeroy & Boch Stoneware Inkstand
Early Villeroy & Boch Stoneware Inkstand

Early Villeroy & Boch Stoneware Inkstand

$1,150
H 2.75 in W 10.75 in D 9 in
Complete Collection Gilt Leather Bound Book Set
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Gilt leather bound sturdy / library room complete collection set. The set include twenty 28 volumes. Funk & Wagnalls, New Encyclopedia. Each book is in gr...
Category

Mid-20th Century Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Leather, Paper

Complete Collection Gilt Leather Bound Book Set
Complete Collection Gilt Leather Bound Book Set

Complete Collection Gilt Leather Bound Book Set

$2,745 / set
H 9.3 in W 6.5 in D 1.6 in
18th/19th Century English Georgian III Period Matthew Boulton Inkstand
By Matthew Boulton
Located in Forney, TX
A fine quality Georgian III period silver plated inkstand by celebrated English silversmith Matthew Boulton, displaying all of the timeless eleganc...
Category

Late 18th Century English Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Silver Plate

18th/19th Century English Georgian III Period Matthew Boulton Inkstand
18th/19th Century English Georgian III Period Matthew Boulton Inkstand

18th/19th Century English Georgian III Period Matthew Boulton Inkstand

$2,250 / set
H 4.5 in W 11.5 in D 7.5 in
French Art Nouveau Bronze Inkwell
By Albert Cheuret
Located in Queens, NY
French Art Nouveau oval shaped bronze inkwell with pine cones and needles design (signed: ALBERT CHEURET)
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

French Art Nouveau Bronze Inkwell
French Art Nouveau Bronze Inkwell

French Art Nouveau Bronze Inkwell

$3,250
H 6.5 in W 11.5 in D 5.5 in
Collection Gilt Leather Bound Library Book Set
Located in Tarry Town, NY
Decorate your sturdy / Library room with this collection set of gilt leather bound library book set of eighteen volumes. Germany in storm and stress ...
Category

1910s Vintage Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Paper, Leather

Collection Gilt Leather Bound Library Book Set
Collection Gilt Leather Bound Library Book Set

Collection Gilt Leather Bound Library Book Set

$1,890 / set
H 7.5 in W 5.5 in D 1.5 in
19th Century French Ormolu Mounted Rounded Globe Style Tantalus Liquor Set
Located in New York, NY
An Unusual 19th century French Ormolu Mounted Globe Style Tantalus liquor set. The round globe top which rests on an elongated ormolu base is not common to find. The crystal top is m...
Category

1890s French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

19th Century French Ormolu Mounted Rounded Globe Style Tantalus Liquor Set
19th Century French Ormolu Mounted Rounded Globe Style Tantalus Liquor Set

19th Century French Ormolu Mounted Rounded Globe Style Tantalus Liquor Set

$14,000 / set
H 16.5 in W 11 in D 11 in
18th Century Mexican Chest from New Spain
Located in Marbella, ES
Mexican chest. New Spain, 18th century. In polychrome wood. Slight paint losses on the lid. Measurements: 7 x 16 x 6.5 cm. Wooden chest from the vicerega...
Category

Mid-18th Century Mexican Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Wood

18th Century Mexican Chest from New Spain
18th Century Mexican Chest from New Spain

18th Century Mexican Chest from New Spain

$2,608
H 2.56 in W 6.3 in D 2.76 in
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 Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Rococo Style Heavy Bronze Inkwell
Rococo Style Heavy Bronze Inkwell

Rococo Style Heavy Bronze Inkwell

$487 Sale Price
25% Off
H 4.5 in W 13 in D 8 in
Fine Early 19th Century Empire Russian Inkstand, St. Petersburg, circa 1810
Located in Worpswede / Bremen, DE
A fine Russian Empire gilt- and patinated bronze desk top inkstand, St. Petersburg, circa 1810. Rectangular shaped base raised on four turned fee...
Category

Early 19th Century Russian Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Fine Early 19th Century Empire Russian Inkstand, St. Petersburg, circa 1810
Fine Early 19th Century Empire Russian Inkstand, St. Petersburg, circa 1810

Fine Early 19th Century Empire Russian Inkstand, St. Petersburg, circa 1810

$12,450
H 9.06 in W 10.63 in D 4.73 in
19th Century French Japonisme Inkwell attributed to L'Escalier de Cristal
By L'Escalier de Cristal
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
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...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century French Japonisme Inkwell attributed to L'Escalier de Cristal
19th Century French Japonisme Inkwell attributed to L'Escalier de Cristal

19th Century French Japonisme Inkwell attributed to L'Escalier de Cristal

$4,506
H 5.12 in W 9.45 in D 7.09 in
19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Inkwell
Located in Paris, FR
19th century malachite inkwell. The circular plate for resting a fountain pen houses a crystal inkpot in its center. The plate and the inkpot's stopper are embellished with a gilt bronze cross...
Category

19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Malachite

19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Inkwell
19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Inkwell

19th Century Malachite and Gilt Bronze Inkwell

$3,438
H 4.34 in W 9.45 in D 9.45 in
Previously Available Items
Nineteenth Century Cobalt Porcelain Inkstand
Located in Toronto, CA
This is a lovely porcelain ink stand, most probably French, from the nineteenth century. Brilliant cobalt ground with glorious, hand-painted floral and gilded decoration, and bronze ...
Category

19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Nineteenth Century Cobalt Porcelain Inkstand
Nineteenth Century Cobalt Porcelain Inkstand

Nineteenth Century Cobalt Porcelain Inkstand

H 5.5 in W 10 in D 6.25 in
Emancipation Proclamation Inkstand - 19th Century Heavily Chased Brass
Located in Atlanta, GA
Any collectors of American history should look closely at this listing. "In the summer of 1862 President Abraham Lincoln sat at a desk in the War Department telegraph office and wit...
Category

Mid-19th Century British Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Brass

Emancipation Proclamation Inkstand - 19th Century Heavily Chased Brass
Emancipation Proclamation Inkstand - 19th Century Heavily Chased Brass

Emancipation Proclamation Inkstand - 19th Century Heavily Chased Brass

H 5 in W 13.75 in D 8 in
Antique French Rococo Bronze & Enameled Champleve Scroll Form Inkwell 19th C
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique French Rococo inkwell offers cast bronze construction in scroll and gadroon form with tray having central well, allover Champleve enamel decorated, raised on ball feet, 19...
Category

19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Rococo Bronze & Enameled Champleve Scroll Form Inkwell 19th C
Antique French Rococo Bronze & Enameled Champleve Scroll Form Inkwell 19th C

Antique French Rococo Bronze & Enameled Champleve Scroll Form Inkwell 19th C

H 2.5 in W 6 in D 4.5 in
19th Century Boulle Style Table Desk
Located in Wiscasset, ME
With carrying handle and single drawer. Lacking inkwells, circa 1870 Measure: Width 12 in.
Category

1880s French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Bone, Wood

19th Century Boulle Style Table Desk
19th Century Boulle Style Table Desk

19th Century Boulle Style Table Desk

H 6 in W 12.5 in D 10.5 in
French Gilt-Bronze and Pink Sèvres Porcelain Inkwell & Letter Holder, circa 1880
By Manufacture Nationale de Sèvres
Located in Queens, NY
A French gilt bronze and pink Sèvres Porcelain inkwell and letter holder, circa 1880 With raised gold, hand-painted with putti and flower...
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

French Gilt-Bronze and Pink Sèvres Porcelain Inkwell & Letter Holder, circa 1880
French Gilt-Bronze and Pink Sèvres Porcelain Inkwell & Letter Holder, circa 1880

French Gilt-Bronze and Pink Sèvres Porcelain Inkwell & Letter Holder, circa 1880

H 4.5 in W 6 in D 3 in
Rococo French Bronze Ormolu Desk Inkwell Encrier by Paul Sormani, 19th Century
By Paul Sormani
Located in Queens, NY
French bronze ormolu desk inkwell Encrier by Paul Sormani. Late 19th century. Signed P. Sormani Paris Measures: 5" high x 9" wide x 6" deep.  
Category

19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Rococo French Bronze Ormolu Desk Inkwell Encrier by Paul Sormani, 19th Century
Rococo French Bronze Ormolu Desk Inkwell Encrier by Paul Sormani, 19th Century

Rococo French Bronze Ormolu Desk Inkwell Encrier by Paul Sormani, 19th Century

H 5 in W 9 in D 6 in
Antique 19th Century Boulle Tortoise Shell Inkwell with Brass Inlays
Located in Dallas, TX
Fine 19th century French "Boulle" tortoise shell inkwell (circa 1860). Inkwell containers, brass inlays and bronze feet.
Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Antique 19th Century Boulle Tortoise Shell Inkwell with Brass Inlays
Antique 19th Century Boulle Tortoise Shell Inkwell with Brass Inlays

Antique 19th Century Boulle Tortoise Shell Inkwell with Brass Inlays

H 4 in W 10 in D 7.5 in
French Rococo Chinoiserie Inkwell
Located in Dallas, TX
an 18th century French Rococo chinoiserie inkwell of gilt bronze with gilt bronze happy Buddha, black lacquer top with fantasy creature, some minor losses to lacquer top
Category

18th Century and Earlier French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Ormolu

French Rococo Chinoiserie Inkwell
French Rococo Chinoiserie Inkwell

French Rococo Chinoiserie Inkwell

H 6.5 in W 19 in D 14 in

Rococo inkwells for sale on 1stDibs.

Find a broad range of unique Rococo inkwells for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the Early 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, ceramic and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Rococo inkwells made in a specific country, there are Europe, France, 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 Aimé Millet, Emile Puiforcat, Minton, and Talavera de la Reyna. 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 $583 and tops out at $11,779 while the average work can sell for $1,030.

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