Cabinet D: 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
Black Marble Inkwell with glass ink bottle insert, brass and marble lid
glass, metal, marble
3 1/8 in. x 5 1/2 in. x 5 1/2 in. ( 8 cm x 14 cm x 14 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Inkwell made of cut crystal with star base, monogrammed lid, "B" sterling silver
glass, metal
3 1/8 in. x 3 1/8 in. x 4 5/16 in. ( 8 cm x 8 cm x 11 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Sheffield silver hallmark inkwell, rounded container
glass, metal
3 3/8 in. x 4 13/16 in. x 4 13/16 in. ( 8.5 cm x 12.2 cm x 12.2 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Inkwell of art nouveau design, crystal with sterling silver lid, rounded corners
glass, metal
3 in. x 3 in. x 3 in. ( 7.62 cm x 7.62 cm x 7.62 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
Artist Unknown
Royal Vienna Inkwell with blue and gold designs on the four sides
porcelain
3 9/16 in. x 3 3/8 in. x 3 3/8 in. ( 9 cm x 8.5 cm x 8.5 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Crystal Inkwell with Enameled Yellow and White Lid
glass, metal
2 9/16 in. x 2 15/16 in. x 2 15/16 in. ( 6.5 cm x 7.5 cm x 7.5 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Cut Crystal and Sterling Silver Inkwell, 1876-1901 800 European silver MARZ, twisted swirls
glass, metal
4 5/16 in. x 5 1/8 in. x 5 1/8 in. ( 11 cm x 13 cm x 13 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
English
English hallmarked inkwell set with 2 bottles and pen insert, inkwell crystal, "ICHDIEN"
glass, metal
3 in. x 8 1/2 in. x 5 in. ( 7.62 cm x 21.59 cm x 12.7 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Sterling silver inkwell, monogrammed, etched lines
glass, metal
2 9/16 in. x 2 3/8 in. x 2 3/8 in. ( 6.5 cm x 6 cm x 6 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Sterling Silver Pen Holder with Two Pens, Scroll, and Two Ornate Silver Pens
glass, metal
2 3/16 in. x 7 1/16 in. x 13/16 in. ( 5.5 cm x 18 cm x 2 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family
Artist Unknown
Brown and black leather cap inkwell
glass, metal
4 in. x 2 1/2 in. x 3 3/4 in. ( 10.16 cm x 6.35 cm x 9.53 cm )
Gift in loving memory of Donald Maxwell Robiner from his family