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What is an Inkwell?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 14,406
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An inkwell is a container used to hold ink. Inkwells can be used by people who use quill and nib pens, and they can also be used to refill the cartridges of fountain pens. Although the use of inkwells is on the decline, they are still available from some art supply stores, and many containers of high-end writing inks come in jars which are designed to function as inkwells in addition to storage containers.

The materials used to make an inkwell vary. Glass, porcelain, and stone are all very common because they are non-reactive, so they will not taint the ink. However, metals such as pewter may be used, along with wood and even plastic. Classically, inkwells have lids which can be used to prevent evaporation and contamination, and some are designed to be screwed shut so that the inkwell can be transported, which is useful for travelers.

Some antique desks and desk sets have built-in inkwells, reflecting how widespread the use of nib pens was until the 20th century. Such pens need to be repeatedly dipped in ink as the user writes, as opposed to being continually fed from a tube inside the pen. As one might imagine, learning to work with nib pens and inkwells can be a bit challenging, as it is easy to create blobs and smears of ink by being inattentive.

There are a range of reasons to use an inkwell and nib pen, rather than a fountain or ballpoint. Many people who practice calligraphy use an inkwell because it is traditional, and because it is easier to switch between various nib widths. Others simply enjoy the experience of using a traditional nib pen, and some people may explore nib pens while working on history projects. One handy thing about nib pens is that changing colors is quite easy, as the pen simply needs to be rinsed before it can be dipped in a fresh color.

Antique inkwells are regarded as a collector's item by some people, and they can fetch a very high price. Antique stores, auctions, and estate sales are all good sources for antique inkwells, although people should be careful to evaluate antiques before purchase to ensure that they are genuine. For people who just want an inkwell, rather than a conversation piece or work of art, an art store is the best bet, although small jars like those used to hold condiments can also be quite useful in a pinch.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

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Discussion Comments
By allenJo — On Sep 19, 2011

@David09 - Yeah, I am a little surprised too. Now and then I will see a vintage inkwell on an old TV show about life in the 1800s or something like that, but I didn’t know that people used it today.

I don’t think it would be easy for me to use something like that. My hands get too shaky even with a regular ball point pen, and my penmanship isn’t that great.

I think you would more or less need to have the hand of an artist to use an inkwell.

By David09 — On Sep 18, 2011

I had absolutely no idea that some people were using ink wells to write, in whatever form, nowadays.

I thought that they were things of the past, before ball point pens were invented. I’ve seen the occasional antique inkwell with old desk sets, but I didn’t realize that they were actually being used.

After reading this article I can see how calligraphy would be an ideal context for using the ink well. Calligraphy has to be shaped and styled in a way that ball point pens cannot adapt to, from what I can tell.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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