Ceramic Inkwells

French Art Nouveau Inkwell by Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat, France, circa 1890. A rare and exquisite Art Nouveau inkwell by renowned French ceramist Pierre-Adrien Dalpayrat (1844–1910). This finely crafted piece showcases Dalpayrat’s signature red copper-glazed stoneware, especially rich and luminous near the base. Elegantly mounted in pewter, the design exemplifies the organic flow and refined detail of the Art Nouveau period. Dimensions: Height: 3.54 in. (9 cm) Diameter: 5.12 in. (13 cm) Materials: Stoneware with pewter mount Condition: Excellent+++++, museum-quality preservation Markings: Incised signature "Dalpayrat 1500" under the base (see photo) This inkwell is a collectible example of French ceramic art at the turn of the century—perfect for collectors of Art Nouveau, 19th-century French ceramics, or the works of Dalpayrat. Adrien Dalpayrat (1844–1910): A Pioneer of French Ceramic Innovation Adrien Dalpayrat was a French ceramicist and researcher who played a key role in the revival of stoneware at the end of the 19th century. Born in 1844 in Limoges, Dalpayrat studied drawing and porcelain painting in his hometown before beginning his professional career at the Jules Vieillard faience factory in Bordeaux. There, he met his wife, Marie Tallerie, with whom he had two sons—Albert and Adolphe—who would later become his primary collaborators. Throughout his early career, Dalpayrat worked for several major ceramic manufacturers, including Ashwin (Valentine), Fouquet (Toulouse), François Blanc (Monaco), and Léon Sazerat (Limoges). In 1889, seeking greater independence, he moved to the Paris region and established his own studio in Bourg-la-Reine. Collaborations and Artistic Evolution Dalpayrat’s creative vision expanded through his collaboration with sculptor Alphonse Voisin-Delacroix. Together, they explored neo-Gothic and Palissy-inspired motifs, creating a remarkable ceramic bestiary. Following Voisin-Delacroix’s death in 1893, Dalpayrat partnered with Adèle Lesbros, which marked a shift in his work toward simpler, more refined vase forms influenced by Japonism. Japanese art had been introduced to France during the 1867 Universal Exhibition, but it wasn’t until the 1878 Exhibition, particularly through the ceremonial stoneware used in the Japanese tea ceremony, that Japonism truly captivated French artists. This influence led Dalpayrat to create vessels with organic, vegetal, and animal-inspired forms. Technical Mastery: The Secrets of Copper Red Among all the ceramists of his time who sought to replicate the elusive Chinese “sang de boeuf” (oxblood) glaze, Adrien Dalpayrat was arguably the most successful. He didn’t simply reproduce the legendary copper red—he transformed it. By manipulating glaze thickness, firing temperature, atmosphere, and copper oxide content, he developed a unique palette of flamed and mottled red glazes that became his signature: the renowned Dalpayrat red. He further enriched his pieces by introducing streaks and inclusions of turquoise, blue, green, and yellow—freeing the red glaze from monochromy and turning it into an expressive, living surface. His work pushed stoneware beyond function into expressive art, merging form and glaze in bold, sculptural harmony. Beyond Ceramics: Bronze Mounts and Architectural Works Dalpayrat also collaborated with renowned jewelers such as Ernest Cardeilhac and Keller to produce pieces mounted in gilt bronze, blending ceramics with decorative arts at the highest level. In an effort to make his work more accessible, he opened a second faience workshop focused on simpler, more affordable pieces inspired by Nevers and Rouen ware. However, this venture faced financial difficulties and closed by 1900. The main family studio followed in 1906 as the popularity of Art Nouveau declined. Dalpayrat then returned to Limoges, devoting his final years to painting and drawing until his death in 1910. Legacy and Recognition Despite financial struggles during his lifetime, Dalpayrat’s ceramics were widely acclaimed at major international exhibitions: Bronze medal, World's Columbian Exposition, Chicago (1893) Silver medal, Antwerp International Exhibition (1894) Gold medal, Exposition Universelle, Paris (1900) Today, his work is part of prestigious museum collections. In 2020, the Petit Palais in Paris acquired a large bird motif vase created in collaboration with Voisin-Delacroix, now on view in Room...

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...

Chinese Porcelain Desk Vessel with Gilt Bronze Mount Origin: China, made for the European export market Material: Porcelain, overglaze decoration, glass liner, gilt bronze Date: Lat...

A stunning French gilt bronze table inkwell tray or desk tray, adorned with exquisite Sèvres soft paste porcelain inset plaques. These hand-painted plaques showcase exceptional craft...

Charming 19th century Delft inkwell, hand-painted with stylized yellow blossoms and delicate green accents on a creamy glazed surface. The stepped design features two inkwell opening...

Rörstrand Gunnar Nylund Chamotte container / inkwell. Measures 15.5 cm. x 12 cm. x 5 cm. Beautiful turquoise glaze. Marked. In perfect condi...

A sensational and extremely high quality French mid 19th century Louis XVI st. ormolu and Sèvres porcelain inkwell. The inkwell is raised by c...

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 ...

Stunning French Lavish Gilt Porcelain Ink Stand of Museum Quality and generous proportions, made by renowned French porcelain maker Jacob Petit. Last quarter of the Nineteenth Centur...

Baroque style solid brass double inkwell set with letter holder, c. 1900-1910. A gorgeous desktop accessory ornately adorned with cherubs, flowers and scrolling acanthus leaves. In...

A charming and most elegant French 19th century Louis XVI st. Sèvres Porcelain and ormolu inkwell, stamped, P.C.G. The inkwell is raised by Fine fluted bun shaped feet below the beau...

Inkwell Calamelli workshop (attr.). Faenza, second half of the 16th century Height 4.33 in; length 8.07 in; depth 2.95 in (11 cm; 20.5 cm; 7.5 cm) Weight: 0.800 lb (363 g) State of conservation: some chipping to the top of the mask around the mouth. Handle glued, without any restorations; minor chips in some raised areas. This object has the shape of a foot wearing Greek-style footwear, as can be seen in some raised areas. The foot is anatomically modeled with bare toes, while the ankle is partially covered by the footwear. On the heel, there is a small circular handle to support the object. The mouth of the container is shaped like a mask. The interior, completely enameled, suggests that the piece was intended to be used as an inkwell or to contain some other liquid. The base, however, is not enamelled. The painted decoration, scant and brief, consists of rapid cobalt blue shading between the toes of the foot, with more precise emphasis on the nails. It is accompanied by yellow citrine accents to enhance the forms. The mask is painted with the tip of the brush, to accentuate the tense nature of the eyes and to accentuate their outline. Thin strokes of yellow-orange line the interior of the mouth. Since the Renaissance, this decoration has been referred to as "compendiaria" and it characterizes the period of production extending from the mid-16th century to approximately the middle of the following century. It significantly influenced tastes at the time. It evolved from the polychrome style "istoriato" and transformed into a new style that "summarized" (compendia), or condensed, the ornamentation of the works into a few colors, placing greater prominence on the shapes. It was often inspired by metal specimens. Since the Renaissance, this decoration has been referred to as "compendiaria" and it characterizes the period of production extending from the mid-16th century to approximately the middle of the following century. It significantly influenced tastes at the time. It evolved from the polychrome style "istoriato" and transformed into a new style that "summarized" (compendia), or condensed, the ornamentation of the works into a few colors, placing greater prominence on the shapes. It was often inspired by metal specimens. This artwork finds parallels in similar objects all characterized by this refined style and produced in the city of Faenza and other Italian centers starting from the mid-16th century. The closest comparable example in majolica is a foot acquired by the British Museum in 2011 (inv. 2011, 8008.1). This was previously published by Carmen Ravanelli Guidotti in 1996 and later by Dora Thornton in 2016 during the conference on Renaissance ceramics...

Rare Antique Mid-19th C Veuve Perrin French France Pottery Inkwell

Inkwell. Glazed ceramic. Talavera de la Reina, Spain, 17th century. Inkwell or spice rack with a square shaped hole that is made of glazed ceram...

A stylish and rare Royal Worcester Art Nouveau porcelain desk stand decorated in blush colors and moulded in low relief with trailing floral designs dated 1894. The stand is of recta...

Gilt Art Nouveau Portrait Casket Double Inkwell WMF (Attrib.) Germany, Circa 1900s Attributed to WMF” Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik A gilt Art Nouveau portrait casket double i...

An extremely scarce early Villeroy & Boch pottery deskset stand. The pristine German antique, circa 1860, was masterfully handcrafted in Mett...

A beautiful and exceptionally high quality French early 19th century Louis XV st. Sèvres Porcelain and ormolu inkwell, signed Sèvres. The inkwell is raised by striking pierced scrolled foliate ormolu movements in a most decorative satin and burnished finished. At the center is the finely detailed Sèvres Porcelain tray...

Vintage 1960's pen holder in the form of a Dalmatian made in the Staffordshire region of England. The Dalmatian is recumbent, with front legs crossed in an elegant fashion, and sitt...

Early and original inkwell or quill pen holder in the form of a seated greyhound by Staffordshire. England, circa 1860. Features a finely execu...

Art Nouveau Inkstand with Leaf-shaped Lids Origin: Germany Material: Copper with porcelain inkwells Date: Circa 1900 Description: Rectangular copper inkstand with gently curved sid...

A Chinese style blue and gold ceramic inkwell, with a hinged brass lid, mounted on a reticulated brass base.

19th Century English Silvered Metal 'Worried Knight' Inkwell Add a touch of classical whimsy to your home or office with our tole figural knight inkwell. Made in later 19th century ...

Joseph Reinemann Jugendstil Pewter Novelty Bird Desk Inkwell, Germany c1902. Joseph Reinemann, Munich, a Jugendstil silvered pewter novelty desk inkwell in the form of a grotesque bi...

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...

Jacob Petit (1796-1868) was first a porcelain painter in the Sevres factory and then opened his own shop, where decorative porcelain was made and painted such as the inkwell shown here.

A very fine French 19th century Louis XV style gilt-bronze, mahogany and porcelain Encrier (Inkwell). The oval mahogany base surmounted with an ormolu mounted trim, dual-trays and fi...

An Ensemble de Bureau in the Louis XVI Taste Constructed using gilt bronze, and 'Sevres' style porcelain having 'Bleu de Roi' borders, and hand p...

A blue, green and gold stoneware desk writing set with four pieces and golden bronze details, A French Art Nouveau desk set, circa 1900, composed of a ceramic and gilt bronze inkwell...

Small inkwell crafted in porcelain, the paunch and lid decorated with a frieze of polychromatic floral motives highlighted with gold. The lid topped by a pine cone finial features a ...

19th century Austrian Porcelain Inkwell with Tray with Stamp on the Side.

Add a touch of classic French charm to your writing desk with this elegant ceramic inkwell. Crafted in France circa 1880, the cartouche-shaped faience piece features intricate hand p...

Hand-painted faience inkwell with an octagonal form, featuring vivid red, blue, yellow, and green floral decoration over a white ground. The central opening is surrounded by four pen...

A stylish antique German majolica glazed ceramic inkwell and desk stand by Mühlen & Leendertz Issum dating from around 1880. The porcelain desk stand is of square shape standing rais...

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...

Antique English Wedgwood blue porcelain and coromandel wood inkwell desk compendium, circa 1880.

An antique Staffordshire dog, Whippet porcelain inkwell. Circa 1880, England

Meissen, Germany. Blue Onion pattern inkwell set in porcelain. Hand-painted. Late 19th century. Marked. First factory quality. In excellent condition - inkwell with hairline cracks a...

A superb 18th Century Dutch Delft Blue and White Ink Well and Desk Stand attributed to Anthoni Pennis, beautifully decorated in the chinoiserie style. Marked to the base with the Blu...

A fine Louis XV Style gilt bronze and Sèvres style Porcelain inkwell. French, circa 1890. This elegant and sophisticated inkwell is of sarcophagus form with finely painted por...

Antique pair of Staffordshire Greyhound inkwells on raised blue cobalt bases with gilt decoration. In perfect original condition, no cracks, chips o...

Inkwell with Integrated Pump Mechanism Origin: France Material: Brass, porcelain, nickel-plated metal Date: Circa 1900 Dimensions: H × Ø: 8 × 14 cm Description: This French inkwel...

The inkwell has a small chip on the back (see photo) The inkwell mark is illegible It has signs of use Original condition

With removable globe cover revealing a removable ink-pot. The Chinese Buddha holding a quill holder in his left hand.

This is a calligraphy set with a wooden lacquer box. There is a pen, an indien ink, a porcelain pot for water and a stone base to make the ink. And ...

A charming antique French provincial faience Quimper style inkwell from the French province of Saint-Quay-Portrieux, circa 1900. Signed on reverse. Thi...

Colorful faience inkwell featuring hand-painted floral motifs in red, green, and blue, with finely detailed gilt brass lids topped by fleur-de-lis finials. The inkwell includes remov...

Lovely quality pair of antique Victorian Staffordshire greyhound inkwells, having a pair of greyhounds laying down with matching collars and a hole to the front for a pen, on a blue ...

Cute antique inkwell in shape of a shoe. The original ceramic ink insert is existing.

Designed by Christian Thomsen of Royal Copenhagen, Denmark, this fine antique porcelain inkstand features two white cocks feeding. Created in 1...

An unusual and finely hand crafted studio pottery water dropper or inkwell decorated in brown glazes dating from the 20th century. The hand thrown hive shaped vessel stands on a flat...

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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Lovely and very detailed piece. Rare. Similar pieces are pictured in "Louis Lawrence : Hirado Prince of Porcelains. Lid not original. Additional information: Material: Porcelain & ...

Rare Danish blue and white faience ink stand by Johan Ernst Pfau for Store Kongensgade Faience Manufactory, Copenhagen Denmark circa 1740. This inkwell retain with its original ink a...

A charming antique French faience Quimper double inkwell and pen tray desk set, circa 1900. This gorgeous inkwell is hand painted with a traditional Breton man surrounded by bagpipes...

A stylish French Art Deco pottery inkstand with a seated child in a pierrot clown dress by Jean de la Fontinelle (1900-1974) and dating from ar...

A very stylish English majolica pottery partners desk stand with inkwells with ram heads by renowned maker William Brownfield and dating from around 1870. The rectangular shaped desk...

A very fine, rare and unusual antique English Derby partners porcelain inkwell and quill pen holder decorated in the Imari pattern and dating from the early ...

A Crown Staffordshire powder blue ground gold plated chinoiserie inkwell early 1900s. Excellent quality inkwell gold gilt Chinese scenes Printed mark and of the dealer T Goode & Co. ...