Inkwell

writing history · containers · old-fashioned tools · clever design

A holder for ink. An inkwell is a small jar made from glass, porcelain, silver, brass, or pewter that kept ink safe and easy to reach while someone was writing or drawing. Writers and artists would dip their quill pens, brushes, or dip pens into the inkwell whenever they needed more ink.

Lids kept ink safe. Most inkwells had tight-fitting lids to stop the ink from drying out, spilling by accident, or getting dirty. This was super important because back then, ink was valuable and messy.

Travel-friendly versions. Some inkwells called travelling inkwells had special screw lids that locked tight, so people could pack them in their luggage without worrying about ink leaking all over their clothes and papers.

Part of writing setup. Fountain pens used inkwells too, but differently: writers would use the inkwell to refill their pen's ink reservoir instead of dipping the pen directly into it.

Now mostly history. Inkwells became less common once ballpoint pens and modern writing tools were invented, so today you mostly see them in museums or as pretty decorations.