Inkwell

An inkwell is a container for the storage of ink for the production of manuscripts by means of a writing pen. The inkwell was for centuries until the invention of the fountain pen is an indispensable utensil for handwritten messages. After its displacement by other writing techniques collecting inkwells came towards the end of the 20th century in fashion. The most coveted collectibles are from the period of the American and the French Revolution to the 1930s.

History

Certainly, the ink was invented before the inkwell, arabic in the form of an ink from soot, rubber and water at the Chinese and Egyptians around 2600 BC The papyrus and parchment air and light -resistant ink, the so-called iron gall ink, there has the 3rd century BC iron gall was cooked from the Sud galls, which was treated with ferrous sulphate. Old ink drawings are often visible on the back of the sheet, as ferrous sulphate decomposes the paper.

The beginnings of the inkwell are in the dark. The first simple and unadorned inkwells such as bovine horns had only responsible for storing the ink and as long as possible to get into the liquid state. From the ancient Roman decorated specimens of bronze have survived. In the late Middle Ages began successful merchants and craftsmen to make the inkwell to their status symbol.

Middle Ages

From the inkwell was gradually a table writing stuff that could consist of carved and ornate cassettes, box-shaped containers and associated vessels for ink and writing instrument. As with many commodities reflected the inkwells especially true fashion, taste, spirit and culture of the people resist, they designed and built.

Simple silver inkstand there were around since the late 15th century. Glorious ornamented ink witness came on in the 16th century.

Modern Times

Artisans such as silversmiths, potters, metal workers and furniture makers created at the beginning of the 18th century a inkwell boom. The silversmiths who were known for their artfully crafted tablet and candlesticks until then, combined with consuming their products molded and chiselled inkwells, writing sets and sand spreaders. In the Northwest of the United States of America at the end of the 18th century saw more than 70 Inkwell manufactories. Worldwide produced at this time several hundred companies.

The ink on the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States was in an inkwell made ​​of genuine sterling silver, while Abraham Lincoln's work table was decorated with a carved wooden inkwell.

The wedding of inkwells: the 19th century

The "golden age" of the inkwell, however, only began in the late Victorian era, so in the second half of the 19th century. Here dominated by a richly decorated silver inkstand on a silver tray of pure Sheffield silver. For example, Admiral Lord Nelson was very keen on traveling always to lead his Sheffield Plate on water and on land with it. Also, ladies and mistresses posted inkwell ensembles on their vanities.

Travel inkwells with secure closures against the leakage of ink in bags and suitcases were particularly used by commercial travelers in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The inkwells began to disappear from the market with the innovation of the fountain pen in 1884. The invention of the ballpoint pen in 1932 initiated the final demise of the inkwell. But even in the 1950s, the primary school pupils on school benches, which were provided in an opening at the front edge with a porcelain inkwell sat.

The inkwells used today are actually ink bottles. Most are simple, undecorated sale container of ink manufacturer of glass or plastic. Some luxury goods manufacturers such as Montblanc provide more correct inkwells ago for the desktop. However, these have primarily decorative nature and are used only for occasional refilling of the fountain pen.

Fountain pen ink cartridges exclusively use today.

Gallery

Luxurious writing materials from Ludwigsburg Porcelain, circa 1765

Travel inkwell

½ liter refill, 1950s

Inkwell with the known ink Pelikan 4001 and Piston

Inkwell with writing surface from Nero Portoro

Trivia

• The coins mountain castle in the region also known as the Wetterau inkpot, as their silhouette with the two towers reminiscent of a two-piece inkwell, as they were in use from the 18th century ( the second " barrel " took on the sand of before the invention blotter paper was used).