Skip to main content

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.

to
2
13
2
9
2
2
1
1
127
83
78
50
40
24
19
18
18
13
13
9
8
7
6
2
2
8
7
5
4
3
6
6
12
10
1
1
Height
to
Width
to
13
13
13
1
1
1
Style: Rococo
An Early 19th Century Paris Porcelain Inkstand
An Early 19th Century Paris Porcelain Inkstand

An Early 19th Century Paris Porcelain Inkstand

$2,250

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

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

$610

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

French Porcelain Inkstand, Sèvres Style, 19th Century
French Porcelain Inkstand, Sèvres Style, 19th Century

French Porcelain Inkstand, Sèvres Style, 19th Century

$1,200

French Porcelain Inkstand, Sèvres Style, 19th Century

Located in Toronto, CA

This is an exquisite porcelain gilded and enameled inkstand in the Sèvres style, from France. Nineteenth century. The inkwell features an elongated shaped tray with two covered ink p...

Category

19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Porcelain

Antique French Sèvres Style Rococo Painted Gilt Pink Gold Inkstand
Antique French Sèvres Style Rococo Painted Gilt Pink Gold Inkstand

Antique French Sèvres Style Rococo Painted Gilt Pink Gold Inkstand

$535

Antique French Sèvres Style Rococo Painted Gilt Pink Gold Inkstand

Located in Greven, DE

Antique French Sèvres Style Rococo Painted Gilt Pink Gold Inkstand French Porcelain 19th Century Dimensions: H x W x D: 8.5cm x 12cm x 8cm This charming decorative inkstand d...

Category

19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Porcelain

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

$2,950Sale Price|25% Off

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

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

Superb French Rococo Style Bronze Double Inkwell for Desk

Located in Swedesboro, NJ

This superb French Rococo style bronze double inkwell is a luxurious example of 19th-century decorative artistry and functional elegance. Expertly cast in bronze, the inkwell feature...

Category

1920s French Vintage Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

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

$6,128

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

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

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

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

$1,036Sale Price|20% Off

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

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

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

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

$988

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

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

$38,135

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

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

$12,678

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

Related Items
French Art Deco Inkwell, Palisander & Pewter, Circa 1930s
French Art Deco Inkwell, Palisander & Pewter, Circa 1930s

French Art Deco Inkwell, Palisander & Pewter, Circa 1930s

$2,250 / set

H 4.25 in W 11.5 in D 6 in

French Art Deco Inkwell, Palisander & Pewter, Circa 1930s

Located in Queens, NY

French Art Deco palisander and pewter inlaid inkwell with 2 crystal wells.

Category

1930s French Vintage Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Crystal, Pewter

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

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

Tiffany Studios New York Bookmark Pattern Bronze Doré Inkwell
Tiffany Studios New York Bookmark Pattern Bronze Doré Inkwell

Tiffany Studios New York Bookmark Pattern Bronze Doré Inkwell

$1,095

H 2.75 in W 4.25 in D 4.25 in

Tiffany Studios New York Bookmark Pattern Bronze Doré Inkwell

By Tiffany Studios

Located in South Bend, IN

A gorgeous Arts & Crafts period "Bookmark" pattern gilt bronze inkwell By Tiffany Studios (signed to the underside) New York, USA, Early 20th Century Measures: 4.25"W x 4.25"D x 2...

Category

Early 20th Century American Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Gilt Bronze and Champleve Enamelled Inkstand
Gilt Bronze and Champleve Enamelled Inkstand

Gilt Bronze and Champleve Enamelled Inkstand

$953Sale Price|40% Off

H 4.5 in W 8.5 in D 5.5 in

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 Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Early 20th-C. French Gilt Bronze And Malachite Desk Pen Inkwell / Inkstand
Early 20th-C. French Gilt Bronze And Malachite Desk Pen Inkwell / Inkstand

Early 20th-C. French Gilt Bronze And Malachite Desk Pen Inkwell / Inkstand

$1,795

H 6 in W 15 in D 7.5 in

Early 20th-C. French Gilt Bronze And Malachite Desk Pen Inkwell / Inkstand

Located in Kennesaw, GA

This is an early 20th century highly decorative French gilt bronze, malachite and faux malachite inkstand with dual inkwells. The base is a mix of faux malachite and malachite veneer...

Category

Early 20th Century French Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Malachite, Bronze

French Victorian Bronze Inkwell
French Victorian Bronze Inkwell

French Victorian Bronze Inkwell

$675

H 4 in W 6.25 in D 6.25 in

French Victorian Bronze Inkwell

Located in Queens, NY

French Victorian bronze square inkwell with 2 cornucopia pen holders.  

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

18th Century Venetian Bronze Figural Inkwell
18th Century Venetian Bronze Figural Inkwell

18th Century Venetian Bronze Figural Inkwell

$3,200

H 6.5 in W 4.5 in D 4.5 in

18th Century Venetian Bronze Figural Inkwell

Located in New York, NY

Patinated bronze urn-shaped inkwell rests on three winged-horses evoking movement and action. The body of the inkwell is decorated with faces among garlands and the lid is topped by a seated putti holding fruitVenetian patinated bronze figural inkwell...

Category

18th Century Italian Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

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

19th Century Sewing Box by Maison Aucoc, Paris

$2,180Sale Price|25% Off

H 0.79 in W 4.53 in D 2.37 in

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

Antique French Faience Quimper Style Inkwell, circa 1900
Antique French Faience Quimper Style Inkwell, circa 1900

Antique French Faience Quimper Style Inkwell, circa 1900

$395

H 3 in W 3.5 in D 3.5 in

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 Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Ceramic, Faience

Antique Napoléon III. Inkwell from Bronze and Porcelain, Paris, France, 1839
Antique Napoléon III. Inkwell from Bronze and Porcelain, Paris, France, 1839

Antique Napoléon III. Inkwell from Bronze and Porcelain, Paris, France, 1839

$907

H 7.49 in W 7.49 in D 2.76 in

Antique Napoléon III. Inkwell from Bronze and Porcelain, Paris, France, 1839

Located in Greven, DE

Exceptional antique Inkwell with rich bronze ornaments and three porcelain vessels. The ink jars are painted in a beautiful rich green and embellished with gold colour. France, 1839. On the lid is written "ENCRIER BOUQUET" "MEDAILLE D´ARGENT...

Category

Mid-19th Century French Antique Rococo Inkwells

Materials

Bronze

Previously Available Items
Nineteenth Century Cobalt Porcelain Inkstand
Nineteenth Century Cobalt Porcelain Inkstand

Nineteenth Century Cobalt Porcelain Inkstand

Sold

H 5.5 in W 10 in D 6.25 in

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

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

Emancipation Proclamation Inkstand - 19th Century Heavily Chased Brass

Sold

H 5 in W 13.75 in D 8 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

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

Sold

H 2.56 in W 5.12 in D 4.14 in

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 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

Sold

H 2.5 in W 6 in D 4.5 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

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

19th Century Boulle Style Table Desk

Sold

H 6 in W 12.5 in D 10.5 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

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

Sold

H 5 in W 9 in D 6 in

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

By Paul Sormani

Located in Long Island City, NY, 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

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

Sold

H 4 in W 10 in D 7.5 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

French Rococo Chinoiserie Inkwell
French Rococo Chinoiserie Inkwell

French Rococo Chinoiserie Inkwell

Sold

H 6.5 in W 19 in D 14 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

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.

More Ways To Browse

Brass Standish
Camel Inkwell
Capstan Inkwell
Cast Iron Inkwell
Cat Inkwell
Encrier Empire
Horse Hoof Inkwells
Inkwells With Clock
Loetz Inkwell
Middle Eastern Desk
Pandiani Bronzes
Bakelite Inkwell
Boulle Inkstand
Bubble Inkwell
Dalmatian Desk
Dog Pen Holder
Frog Inkwell
Greyhound Inkwell
View All Popular Inkwells Searches