These items are typical of the ink wells used in the first half of the 20th century in a home or business. The use of ink wells was superseded by the introduction of fountain pens and ball point pens . These items have no known provenance but are retained for display purposes..1 A round ceramic ink well It is coloured brown and there is some damage on the side. .2 A round, brown ceramic ink well with a little ridged top.There is some damage on the base.ink wells, vintage house hold and business items