Cabinet C: Shelf 3
Inkwells
For almost as long as there has been writing, there has been some means of containing the ink used to pen works ranging from early books of the Bible, to Shakespeare’s plays, to the Gettysburg Address. As with most objects of daily use, inkwells could be modest and utilitarian or more fanciful, the latter employing lavish use of precious materials to reflect and enhance the status of the possessor. Once Lewis Waterman created the functional fountain pen in 1884, followed by the introduction of the ballpoint pen in 1938, the mechanism of writing was forever changed and the appearance of inkwells on any desk declined.
The inkwells in the present installation demonstrate a rich variety of materials, including silver, crystal, ceramic, and metal. Some pre-date the emergence of the fountain pen, and many mark the transition from a quill or nib pen to the convenience of the pocket pen commonly found today. Inkwells are avidly collected by those who value the artistry that went into the creation of a beautiful object for everyday life.
Artist Unknown
Seated Man Inkwell (Blue), made in Germany, man with crossed legs
porcelain
3 3/4 in. x 1 15/16 in. x 1 15/16 in. ( 9.5 cm x 5 cm x 5 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
German
Seated Woman Inkwell (Red), made in Germany, woman with rolling pin
porcelain
3 15/16 in. x 2 3/16 in. x 2 3/16 in. ( 10 cm x 5.5 cm x 5.5 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Porcelain floral inksander and bottle
porcelain
1 9/16 in. x 2 3/4 in. x 1 15/16 in. ( 4 cm x 7 cm x 5 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Woman with Hat and Flowered Pin Inkwell, French porcelain
porcelain, feathers
5 1/8 in. x 4 15/16 in. x 2 3/4 in. ( 13 cm x 12.5 cm x 7 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Seated Woman Inkwell, iridescent porcelain with blue peaked lid vase, figure
porcelain
4 15/16 in. x 3 3/8 in. x 2 15/16 in. ( 12.5 cm x 8.5 cm x 7.5 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Harlequin Inkwell with porcelain clown, "D&P" 5406
porcelain
4 5/16 in. x 2 3/8 in. x 2 3/8 in. ( 11 cm x 6 cm x 6 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Iridescent light and dark green inkwell, glass lid, fire polished
glass, metal
4 5/16 in. x 2 3/8 in. x 2 3/8 in. ( 11 cm x 6 cm x 6 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Roycroft Pottery
Blue Ceramic Inkwell with Ram Design on Lid, Roycroft pottery blue-aqua inkwell, lid and insert
ceramic
2 3/8 in. x 4 1/2 in. x 4 1/2 in. ( 6 cm x 11.5 cm x 11.5 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Porcelain de Paris, French inkwell, Meissen pattern with lid, vintage
porcelain
3 1/8 in. x 2 3/4 in. x 2 3/4 in. ( 8 cm x 7 cm x 7 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Martin Bros. London, 296.S patt. 4-sided inkwell, pot liner, bird, blue & gray stone ware, flowers on panels
ceramic
2 9/16 in. x 2 15/16 in. x 2 3/4 in. ( 6.5 cm x 7.5 cm x 7 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Martin Bros. London, 296.S patt. 4-sided inkwell, pot liner, bird, blue & gray stone ware, flowers on panels
ceramic
2 9/16 in. x 2 15/16 in. x 2 3/4 in. ( 6.5 cm x 7.5 cm x 7 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Travel inkwell set with 2 glass ink bottle in base with caps, with brush, paper box
leather, metal
1 15/16 in. x 2 15/16 in. x 1 9/16 in. ( 5 cm x 7.5 cm x 4 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family