Vintage glass and probably silver plate ink bottle

Vintage glass and probably silver plate ink bottle in art deco style.

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This lovely little item is in the shape of a melon. The top is probably silver plate although there are no Hallmarks so I can't date it. It is probably 50s.

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Sold as white metal.

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Size: 6 cm tall 8 cm round with some minor age related wear.

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The history of inkwells dates back to ancient Egypt, when scribes used stones with holes to hold ink. Inkwells became more elaborate over time, and were used in many different cultures.

Ancient Egypt

Wealthy Egyptians hired scribes to write letters for them

Scribes used stones with round holes to hold ink

Roman Empire

Scribes used small, unadorned inkwells made of metal or pottery

Inkwells often had two holes on top, one for a writing pipe and another to prevent the ink from drying out

Middle Ages

Writing was considered a humble task, and was mainly done by scribes

Inkwells were kept in hollow animal horns or stoneware pots

Renaissance

Writing became a source of pride and status for the wealthy and educated

Inkwells became more elaborate and decorative

Early 20th century

Inkwells fell out of use as fountain pens replaced dip pens

Today

Inkwells are considered a piece of writing paraphernelia