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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
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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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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

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

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

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

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French Art Deco Palisander and Pewter Inkwell
Located in New York, NY
French Art Deco palisander and pewter inlaid inkwell with 2 crystal wells.
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1930s French Vintage Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Pewter

French Art Deco Palisander and Pewter Inkwell
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H 4.25 in W 11.5 in D 6 in
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Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
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H 13.78 in W 9.85 in D 7.09 in
19th Century French Bronze and Marble Inkwell
Located in New Orleans, LA
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H 9.25 in W 20.5 in D 11 in
19th Century French Crystal and Bronze Inkwell
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Located in Los Angeles, CA
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Category

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19th Century French Crystal and Bronze Inkwell
19th Century French Crystal and Bronze Inkwell

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H 6.75 in W 4.25 in D 4.25 in
19th Century French Enameled Champlevé Inkwell
Located in Forney, TX
A stunning and rare French mid-19th century encier in Louis Revival taste with Moorish Arabesque influence. Handcrafted in Champlevé enameled gilt bronze with ornate and colorful blue, pink, red, green and white enameling over the heavily shaped and scalloped base, that borders the stunning Severes style (I have not removed it to check for a makers mark) enameled porcelain tray scene of frolicking putti. The stunning enameling continues on the raised inkwell body and hinged lid with finial. Opposite, two raised balls act as a pen rest, the inkstand raising on four ball feet. Similar to French cloisonne, each champlevé design is a one-of-a-kind work of art. A beautiful warm verdigris patina adds to its character and charm. This wonderful antique objet...
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19th Century French Enameled Champlevé Inkwell
19th Century French Enameled Champlevé Inkwell

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H 3.5 in W 6 in D 4 in
18th/19th Century English Georgian III Period Matthew Boulton Inkstand
By Matthew Boulton
Located in Forney, TX
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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

H 4.5 in W 11.5 in D 7.5 in
Antique Old Paris Porcelain Inkwell, Early 19th Century
By Old Paris
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Antique early 19C Old Paris Porcelain Inkwell Additional information: Materials: Porcelain Color: Gold Brand: Old Paris Designer: Old Paris Period: ...
Category

Early 19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Porcelain

Antique Old Paris Porcelain Inkwell, Early 19th Century
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H 4 in W 8 in D 4 in
c1840 French Louis Philippe Crystal Inkwell. Beautiful and Rare by Baccarat
By Baccarat
Located in Opa Locka, FL
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1840s Antique Rococo Inkwells

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Crystal

c1840 French Louis Philippe Crystal Inkwell. Beautiful and Rare by Baccarat
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H 5 in Dm 7 in
19th Century French Walnut and Brass Writing Boxe
Located in LEGNY, FR
Beautiful walnut desktop box which opens into a writing slope. Decorated on the outside with 2 decorative inlaid tunbridge ware bands. Box opens out to a beige fabric writing slo...
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Brass

19th Century French Walnut and Brass Writing Boxe
19th Century French Walnut and Brass Writing Boxe

19th Century French Walnut and Brass Writing Boxe

H 6.7 in W 17.72 in D 9.06 in
19th Century French Champleve Inkstand
Located in WEST PALM BEACH, FL
This is a luxurious combination of colors in the form of a French champleve inkstand, with a square crystal inkwell with a champleve top. 19th century.
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19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Metal

19th Century French Champleve Inkstand
19th Century French Champleve Inkstand

19th Century French Champleve Inkstand

H 3 in W 5.75 in D 4 in
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Inkstand / Inkwell / Desk Tidy 1871
By James Dixon & Sons
Located in London, GB
A beautiful Antique Victorian Solid Silver Inkstand with two glass lined Inkwells with hinged lids. The base of the inkstand has a classic Greek Key pattern around the sides and rows of chased patterning on the body connected with ornate stylised acanthus leaves. The Inkwell stands on four shaped feet. Made in Sheffield, England in 1871 by James Dixon & Sons. Approx. Weight (Silver Only) - 1130g / 36.33oz Approx. Length - 32.4cm Approx. Width - 19.4cm This Inkstand has full English Hallmarks. This Victorian Inkstand...
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19th Century English Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Inkstand / Inkwell / Desk Tidy 1871
Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Inkstand / Inkwell / Desk Tidy 1871

Antique Victorian Sterling Silver Inkstand / Inkwell / Desk Tidy 1871

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H 0.4 in W 0.4 in D 0.4 in
19th C. Rosewood Brass Bound
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A Handsome Campaign Style Box with nice deep color and decorative brass mounts, top medallion and escutcheon (lacking a key). The inside lid and sides lined in dark green velvet, the bottom with vintage printed paper...
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19th Century Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Brass

19th C. Rosewood Brass Bound
19th C. Rosewood Brass Bound

19th C. Rosewood Brass Bound

H 3 in W 11.5 in D 7.75 in
Previously Available Items
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.
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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 New York, NY
A French gilt bronze and pink Sèvres Porcelain inkwell and letter holder, circa 1880 With raised gold, hand-painted with putti and flower...
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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 New York, 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.
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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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