Bid Smart: Dipping in to the wild and wonderful world of animal-form inkwells

A pair of porcelain inkwells with agate bird finials, sold together with a carved spinach and jade standish, achieved $34,000 plus the buyer’s premium in March 2020. Image courtesy of Butterscotch Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.
A pair of porcelain inkwells with agate bird finials, sold together with a carved spinach and jade standish, achieved $34,000 plus the buyer’s premium in March 2020. Image courtesy of Butterscotch Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.
A pair of porcelain inkwells with agate bird finials, sold together with a carved spinach and jade standish, achieved $34,000 plus the buyer’s premium in March 2020. Image courtesy of Butterscotch Auctions and LiveAuctioneers.

NEW YORK — At first glance, inkwells seem like a dusty holdover from the early 20th century. In this modern age of laptops and AI-generated emails, no one needs an inkwell — but that is now the point. Yes, no one needs inkwells or fountain pens anymore, but people continue to appreciate them as beautiful, elegant objects that inspire a strong sense of nostalgia and make for a well-appointed desk. Pen shows and pen auctions are held around the United States and worldwide, and those who discover the pleasures of taking pen to paper often want vintage accessories such as inkwells.

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Turner celebrates holiday season with festive Dec. 11 auction

Buccellati diamond and 18K bi-color gold ring, est. $1,000-$1,500
Buccellati diamond and 18K bi-color gold ring, est. $1,000-$1,500
Buccellati diamond and 18K bi-color gold ring, est. $1,000-$1,500

SAN FRANCISCO – Turner Auctions + Appraisals is pleased to present a Holiday Auction on Saturday, December 11, featuring 320 lots of fine and decorative art, Asian art and antiques, silver and jewelry. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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Bruneau to auction New England estate art and antiques, June 17

Monumental bronze Art Nouveau three-basin fountain, estimated at $2,000-$3,000
Monumental bronze Art Nouveau three-basin fountain, estimated at $2,000-$3,000

CRANSTON, R.I. – An online-only Estate Fine Art & Antique auction featuring more than 300 lots, mostly pulled from prominent estates throughout New England, is planned for June 17 at Bruneau & Co. Auctioneers. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

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