Antique silver & glass inkwell

Stylish cube-shaped cut glass inkwell with a domed and hinged silver cover with a gilt lining. This antique silver and glass inkwell is original in every respect and the crystal base shows a sharply cut hobnail pattern on the base. The inkwell's heavy weight lends itself to serving as an excellent paperweight too.

In 16th century Europe writing was considered to be a lowly task, and the aristocracy and upper classes would employ the services of a scribe or scrivener to write on their behalf using a quill pen and ink.

From the 17th century onwards, as the gentry began to undertake writing themselves, inkwells and inkstands became an essential accessory in every upper-class household. Silver, often combined with glass or crystal, was the most popular material used for inkstands and as well as having a practical use, some became more imposing and elaborate, often turning into decorative pieces in their own right.