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