European Inkwells

This is a wonderful, large antique Victorian Egyptian revival inkstand by the Sheffield silversmith Henry Wilkinson & Co, Circa 1890 in date. It features a pair of cut glass detacha...

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...

Very precious Italian inkwell and signature pad with original paper. It's made with very rare portoro marble, particular for its black with brown and gold veins. Price is for the com...

A fine quality Georgian III period silver plated inkstand by celebrated English silversmith Matthew Boulton, displaying all of the timeless eleganc...

This striking 1930s Art Deco Italian inkstand is a beautiful testament to the era's streamlined elegance, masterfully carved from a solid piece of onyx marble with rich, warm honey a...

Inkwell with Cloisonné Enamel Origin: France Material: Bronze with polychrome cloisonné enamel Date: Circa 1870–1890 Dimensions: H × W × D: 8 × 8 × 8 cm Description: This small in...

Black and white glass ink well Brass nickel platend

Exquisite antique Worcester porcelain desk inkstand and cover in "dragons in compartments" or "bengal tiger" pattern. A stunning piece of English Regency chinoiserie in imari palette...

Franz Bergman Style 19th-Century Austrian Bronze & Coconut Camel Inkwell A rare and whimsical 19th-century Austrian figural inkwell in the Franz Bergman...

Great Baccarat inkwell with extensive crystal cut. Places for pens are at each side. France, late 19th century. .

Inkwell in gilded bronze and crystal from the second half of the 19th century Original gilding in perfect condition 19th century, Napoleon III 8.2 x 10.6 cm, total height 8.2 cm

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...

The lacquer ground with a strong burgundy undertone. Well carved , colored and other wise decorated . The porcelain well in good Antique condition . Minor wear due to age and use .

A very elegant desk set in art deco probably from 1930s or earlier. The desk set is made of patinated brass and consists of two parts. An ink stand with pen stand and a rocker blotter...

Antique Silver Inkwell & Document Box. No apparent hallmarks so we are assuming this is silver plate.

Elegant vintage inkwell featuring a clear faceted crystal glass base with a hinged sterling silver lid. The geometric cut crystal body paired with the polished silver top creates a r...

René Lalique 1912 Biches Inkwell on Undertray This inkwell on undertray measures: 6 wide x 6 deep x 4.25 inches high Excellent Condition. We take our photos in a controlled lighti...

An Exceptionally Fine Quality English Well Figured Solid grained Mahogany Officers Campaign Style Traveling Writing Slope of outstanding quality and unusually large size. First quart...

French Art Deco Dodo Bird Inkwell by Maurice Frécourt, 1920s A striking and highly decorative French Art Deco inkwell by the noted sculptor Maurice Frécourt (1890–1961), created dur...

Cut Crystal Inkwell with Hinged Silver-Plated Lid England or France Cut crystal, silver-plated metal Late 19th century Dimensions: H × W × D: 7 × 5 × 5 cm Description: A compact i...

“Idleness is the mother of all vices” by Line Vautrin. Natural bamboo inkwell. The gilded bronze lid is finely carved with a rebus, the bamboo interior houses a small glass receptacl...

Large Victorian inkwell by William Comyns. This has a repousse sterling design over a heavy crystal inkwell. The hinged lid is monogrammed with a JP. The piece is dated 1895.

Art Deco inkwell, circa 1920. Portor marble base surrounded by a wrought iron frieze decorated with leaves. Stamped E. Brandt. In perfect condition. Height: 7.5 cm Width: 13.5 cm Le...

A quite stunning French green glass inkwell of substantial size, with extremely elegantly worked neoclassical mounts, intricate scrolling .The level of detail on this piece is quite...

This piece of nineteenth-century French elegance is sure to be the envy of any collector. The Napoleon III gilt bronze inkwell is a prized find, crafted in circa 1840 France with int...

A magnificent, fine and impressive antique Victorian English sterling silver inkstand / desk standish; an addition to our ornamental silverware collection This magnificent, fine and impressive antique Victorian inkstand...

Large antique Black Forest (Schwarzwald) pen holder featuring two inkwells and a central bear figure; handcrafted from wood around the turn of the century (c. 1900) in Southern Germa...

Classic 1890s black forest Brienz wood carved inkwell in form of a Bear. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of hand carved wood and glass eyes. Found at...

Classic early 1890s Black Forest Brienz wood carved inkwell in form of a walnut on a leaf. Nice addition to your room or just for use it on your desk. Made of hand carved wood and gl...

Inkwell glass and nickel combination around 1920s Original condition.

Turquoise Glazed Faience and Gilt Bronze Desk Inkwell by Théodore Deck (1823–1891), circa 1870 Rare desk inkwell signed TH. DECK, crafted in faience with the celebrated turquoise gl...

Stunning and important Kayserzinn pewter inkwell, designed by Hugo Leven. Who, in this day and age, would ask a top quality sculptor to design and execute a stunning sculpture with ...

Art Nouveau style brass inkwell, France, circa 1900, with an elegant and symmetrical design typical of late 19th-century aesthetics. This piece features an architectural composition, with two side compartments shaped like basins and a central vertical element that serves as a handle or support. The brasswork reveals subtle variations in patina, ranging from bright gold to more matte shades. The decorative details, particularly the undulating motifs and curved lines, evoke the organic influence characteristic of Art Nouveau. Both a functional antique object and a refined decorative piece, this inkwell will add a touch of elegance to a desk or library. Style : Art Nouveau Belle Époque Antique Decorative Organic Main Features : Brass Inkwell France, circa 1900 Symmetrical Design Two Side Compartments Central Vertical Element (Hole or Stand) Wavy Decorative Motifs Beautiful Antique Patina Antique and Decorative Desk Item Keywords : antique brass inkwell...

Antique French Heavy Glass Hand Blown Lidded Inkwell Impressive handblown clear glass heavy inkwell with bronze lid. The robust mushroom shaped inkwell is created with heavy handblo...

An outstanding late Victorian inkwell made from two cattle horns and mounted with silver plated fittings, a stunning combination and always highly sought-after; I haven't had one of ...

Mounted horse hoof inkwell with horseshoe pen holder Inkwell shoe ferrer pen holder with beautiful finish, popular art work Shipping: L11 P19 ...

Townshend Art Metal Workers. Birmingham. An Anglo-Japanese brass pen/quill tray with a pair of porcelain inkwells decorated with cherry blossoms. Impressed makers mark.

Little is known about the origins of this amazing piece, apart from it being from France, circa 1900. Note: We highly recommend shipping through 1stDibs for its cost effectiveness, ...

A very stylish German Jugendstil pewter desk stand and inkwell by renowned makers WMF (Württembergische Metallwarenfabrik) and dating from around 1906. The stand comprises of a centr...

This exquisite antique inkwell is a stunning example of Art Nouveau design, shaped like a grotto shell and inscribed with "Souvenir du Croisir," capturing the romantic essence of a b...

An Exquisite Example of an Early Rosewood Travelling Writing Slope of fairly large proportions of Continental origin, possibly French. Circa first half of the Nineteenth Century prob...

These exquisite 19th-century bronze parakeet on perch candlestick inkwells showcase the fine craftsmanship of the era. Each inkwell features a beautifully designed parakeet with a hi...

English Silver Capstan Inkwell by Cohen & Charles, Chester, 1908 Silver capstan inkwell with pen holder in front English silver Hall marked, Chester, ...

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...

Victorian English Brass Figural Pig Inkwell with Articulated Back Lids, c. 1875 Consists of four pieces, The figural pig, glass inkwell with domed brass cap, A small porcelain cup fo...

Beautiful Black Forest style hand-carved linden wood inkwell with a realistic dog figure with glass eyes. The stand includes a designated rest for pens and accessories in the front, ...

A superbly carved figural Black Forest inkwell in the form of a Dog's head, with great detail and retaining two large glass eyes. The hinged lid opens to reveal an inner ink chamber...

Inkwell with Enamel Decoration and Onyx Plate Origin: Probably France Material: Gilded metal, champlevé enamel, onyx Date: Circa 1870–1890 Dimensions: H × W × D: 9 × 12 ×13 cm Des...

The Inkwell of square shape made from glass with hand cut diamond quilt pattern to the exterior. The lid of the inkwell mounted with a Sterling Silver hinged lid is hallmarked to the...

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...

A late 19th century silver plate mounted horse hoof inkwell, the lid and horseshoe of silver plate, the hinged lid opening to the glass inkwell wit...

This refined desk accessory features a beautifully proportioned, rounded ink pot with a domed lid and finial, set upon a distinctive square tray with softly scalloped, curved edges. ...

Bronze inkwell by H.Luppens & Cie, Bruxelles, Belgium, 1900 Famous bronze company of Brussels of the 19th century. The H.Luppens & Cie Foundry had its workshops in Saint-Gilles, 15 ...

A late 19th century blue and white ceramic inkwell with circular pierced brass stand and brass lid. They ceramic inkwell depicts a riverside scene of birds and rushes.

Elegant tabletop inkwell made in France in the early 20th century, following the aesthetic of Belle Époque designs. The piece is structured around an iconographic motif with a long ...

This is a vintage Parisian ink tray. A French, pewter brass desktop inkwell in Art Deco taste, dating to the early 20th century, circa 1930. Alluring tonality and form, to this fin...

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...

The inkwell with a square base having four faceted faces leading up to a central boulle lidded square glass inkwell with brass collar. The Boulle work finished in typical fashion wit...

A wonderful and rare large figural inkwell, beautifully executed in the form of an Owl with fine detail. The hinged head lifts to reveal a fitted ink chamber which looks to be a ...

A highly rare and remarkably sophisticated French Charles X period luxury desk accessory, measuring 33 cm in height. Designed as an exceptional suspension inkwell (encrier), this pie...