Inkwell
1750-1800
Medium
Decorative Arts
Classification
Decorative Arts
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly
Accession Number
1929.8.245.63
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection decorative arts, this elegant inkwell from 1750-1800 exemplifies the refined craftsmanship of late colonial and early federal America. Donated by collector John Gellatly, it served as a practical yet stylish accessory for writing desks, holding ink for quill pens during an era when letter-writing, legal documents, and bookkeeping fueled commerce and personal connections across the growing nation. Crafted by an unidentified artisan, the inkwell highlights the artistry of everyday objects in 18th-century households. Decorative arts lik...
About the Artist
Unidentified ( ) · –