inkwell

An inkwell is a small container that holds ink for dipping a writing nib. Historically, inkwells accompanied dip pens, quills, or early fountain pens with external ink reservoirs, and were a common feature of writing desks from the Renaissance through the 19th century. The term derives from ink and well, describing its function as a receptacle for liquid ink.

Design and materials: Inkwells come in a range of materials, including glass, porcelain or ceramic, metal (such as brass or pewter), and sometimes crystal. They may be simple cups or part of a larger desk set with a lid, a side-mounted stopper, or multiple compartments for different colors. Some sets include a hinged lid to minimize evaporation and protect ink from dust.

Use: A nib is dipped into the ink to pick up pigment, then wiped on a blotter to remove excess. Inkwell designs sometimes include a resting point for a nib or a tray for blotting paper.

History and modern use: Inkwells were widely used before the rise of self-contained fountain pens. They facilitated writing with nibs and allowed ink to be stored in a controlled environment. After fountain pens became common, inkwells declined but remain popular among calligraphers and collectors, and today are often decorative or part of vintage writing sets.