Cabinet D: Shelf 2
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
Brush inkwell, sterling silver overlay, ribbon glass with sterling silver lid, marked "Gorham"
glass and metal
5 5/16 in. x 3 9/16 in. x 3 9/16 in. ( 13.5 cm x 9 cm x 9 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Inkwell made of brass paris round, lion's head, beaded sides, floral top
metal, plastic
3 1/8 in. x 3 15/16 in. x 3 9/16 in. ( 8 cm x 10 cm x 9 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Hammered Sterling Silver Inkwell with sterling silver lid
glass, metal
2 9/16 in. x 1 15/16 in. x 1 15/16 in. ( 6.5 cm x 5 cm x 5 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Tiffany Studios art nouveau brass inkwell with lid
glass, metal
2 3/8 in. x 3 15/16 in. x 3 15/16 in. ( 6 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Crystal square base and cut corners ink well, lid not attached
glass, metal
1 15/16 in. x 1 9/16 in. x 1 3/8 in. ( 5 cm x 4 cm x 3.5 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Green Glass Inkwell, blue-green iridescent with metal overlay
glass, metal
3 1/8 in. x 3 3/8 in. x 3 3/8 in. ( 8 cm x 8.5 cm x 8.5 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Tiny crystal square inkwell with brass lid
glass, metal
1 15/16 in. x 1 3/8 in. x 1 3/8 in. ( 5 cm x 3.5 cm x 3.5 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Brass Flowered Inkwell with Green Glass, engraved art nouveau, brass flower near base, brass lid, square base emerald green
glass, metal
3 3/4 in. x 3 1/8 in. x 3 1/8 in. ( 9.5 cm x 8 cm x 8 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Crystal Inkwell with Silver Lid with pen holder, hallmarked silver :CRAIGENDINNIE" London: J.S. Vickery & Sons, Regent St.
glass, metal
1 3/4 in. x 4 15/16 in. x 2 9/16 in. ( 4.5 cm x 12.5 cm x 6.5 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Light amber two-bottle inkwell with pen rest
glass, metal
2 9/16 in. x 2 3/4 in. x 1 15/16 in. ( 6.5 cm x 7 cm x 5 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Lutz Art
Cranberry Iridescent Glass Inkwell, Lutz art glass-type, gold metal lid, swirled
glass, metal
2 3/16 in. x 5 5/16 in. x 5 5/16 in. ( 5.5 cm x 13.5 cm x 13.5 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Bubble Glass Inkwell with Engraved and Monogrammed Sterling Silver Lid
glass, metal
3 1/8 in. x 5 7/8 in. x 5 7/8 in. ( 8 cm x 15 cm x 15 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family