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 in schools, households and commercial enterprises.
Physical description
Small, squat, brown, salt-glazed ceramic inkwell with small opening at top. It has a short neck and a round squat body. This type of inkwell is also known as a penny ink well.
