Boar Inkwell
Antique 1890s German Black Forest Sculptures and Carvings
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Inkwells
Bone
Antique 19th Century English Charles II Inkwells
Crystal, Brass
Early 20th Century American Inkwells
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Inkwells
Bone
Mid-19th Century French School Figurative Sculptures
Bronze
Recent Sales
Antique Late 18th Century German Inkwells
Antique 19th Century French Inkwells
Bronze
Early 20th Century French Inkwells
Bronze
Early 20th Century European Inkwells
People Also Browsed
Antique Early 1900s German Victorian More Desk Accessories
Metal
Early 20th Century Chinese Sculptures and Carvings
Coral
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Renaissance Revival Busts
Marble, Belgian Black Marble, Carrara Marble
20th Century French Books
Paper
Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Other Inkwells
Bronze
Early 20th Century English Sports Equipment and Memorabilia
Sterling Silver
Early 20th Century Swiss Black Forest Sculptures and Carvings
Wood
Vintage 1920s Chinese Chinese Export Games
Bamboo
20th Century French Belle Époque Decorative Boxes
Crystal, Bronze
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Taxidermy
Brass
Antique 19th Century English Victorian Jewelry Boxes
Velvet, Glass, Wood
Vintage 1970s Australian Post-Modern Posters
Linen, Paper
Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Vases
Glass
Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Cabinets
Ormolu
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Austrian Gothic Arms, Armor and Weapons
Iron
Early 20th Century Chinese Sculptures
Jade
Finding the Right Inkwells for You
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.
Read More
How a Craving for Color Revolutionized Glass
After synthetic dyes changed fashion, home goods and printed matter, it was only a matter of time till glass caught up.
Kazuyo Sejima’s Flowering Tree Blooms Year-Round
The brilliantly simple design turns a modest bouquet into a major statement.
He Wrote ‘Oedipus Rex,’ but Do You Know What He Looked Like?
The Greek tragedian is said to have been handsome in his day.
Cigar Culture Was Once the Peak of Masculinity. Now, It’s a Compelling Curiosity
Even for those who don’t indulge, elegant smoking accessories and audacious art portraying cigar enthusiasts hold a nostalgic allure.
African Travel Plans on Hold? This Ardmore Leopard Vase Brings the Beauty of the Savanna to You
It’s an excellent example of the sought-after ceramics coming out of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province.
With a High-Tech Flagship and Cool Collabs, Lladró Is Breaking the Mold for Porcelain Production
Thanks to its new leadership, the Spanish maker of figurines, busts and lighting is on a mission to update the art of porcelain for the 21st century.
Zoë Powell’s Magnolia 05 Vessel Is Handmade from Clay She Unearthed Herself
The free-form stoneware piece is inspired by the magnolia tree and its associations with home.
8 Ways to Breathe New Life into a Space with Plants
The pair behind the Instagram account @houseplantclub share their tips for making any room of the house gloriously green.