Inkwells
Early 1900s European Antique Inkwells
Fruitwood
Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells
Metal
19th Century Swiss Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Wood
19th Century Antique Inkwells
Glass
19th Century English Victorian Antique Inkwells
Brass
1810s English Regency Antique Inkwells
Bronze
1870s English Antique Inkwells
Brass
Early 19th Century French Restauration Antique Inkwells
Bronze
19th Century Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Early 1900s Belgian Antique Inkwells
Wrought Iron
1890s French Antique Inkwells
Porcelain, Wood
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Inkwells
Marble, Bronze
Late 19th Century English Antique Inkwells
Brass
Early 20th Century English Inkwells
Silver
Late 19th Century English Antique Inkwells
Silver Plate
19th Century French Louis XVI Antique Inkwells
Crystal, Ormolu
19th Century English Georgian Antique Inkwells
Silver
19th Century German Black Forest Antique Inkwells
Velvet, Cut Glass, Wood
Late 19th Century English Antique Inkwells
Brass
19th Century European Regency Antique Inkwells
Early 19th Century English Early Victorian Antique Inkwells
Hardwood
Early 19th Century Italian Antique Inkwells
Siena Marble
20th Century English Other Inkwells
Silver
Mid-20th Century Inkwells
Sterling Silver
19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Inkwells
Bronze
Late 19th Century French Louis XV Antique Inkwells
Bronze
18th Century Italian Renaissance Antique Inkwells
Bronze
19th Century British Victorian Antique Inkwells
Late 18th Century German Rococo Antique Inkwells
Faience
18th Century English Other Antique Inkwells
Ceramic
1870s English Art Nouveau Antique Inkwells
Sterling Silver
1950s French Vintage Inkwells
Brass
Vintage, New and Antique Inkwells
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.





