Historical information

An ink bottle was made of glass or ceramic and typically sat on a desk. The writer would dip the pen (or quill) into the bottle to put more ink on the pen. Because they sat on a desk, ink bottles were often decorative.

Significance

We have mostly dispensed with ink bottles and quills. This item is an example of early stationery equipment commonly used.

Physical description

A cylindrical brown glazed ceramic ink bottle with a neck narrowing to a pouring lip and cork. Label is blue.

Inscriptions & markings

Front bottom - Commercial.