Inkwell
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other uses, see Inkwell (disambiguation).
- For the handwriting recognition software that is part of Mac OS X, see Inkwell (software).
An inkwell is a small jar or container, often made of glass, ceramic, or pewter, that is used for holding ink in a place convenient for the person who is writing. The artist or writer dips his brush or dip pen into the inkwell as needed or uses the inkwell as the source for filling the reservoir of his fountain pen.
An inkwell usually has a hinged or screwed-on lid to prevent contamination, evaporation, accidental spillage, and excessive exposure to air.
Up to the mid/late 1980s, many UK infant and junior schools used flip-lid wooden desks with a built-in inkwell featuring a sliding lid, all made from brass. This type of desk has been featured for many years in the Beano cartoon strip The Bash Street Kids.