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Object Timeline

1966

  • We acquired this object.

2015

2025

  • You found it!

Inkwell

This is a inkwell. It is dated 19th century and we acquired it in 1966. It is a part of the Product Design and Decorative Arts department.

This decorative inkwell enables its user to keep multiple colors of ink on hand for writing or drafting, all in one convenient space thanks to six separate compartments. The central peacock can be lifted in order to access each of the ink chambers, each decorated with a leaf or feather with attached knob for easy opening.

This object was donated by Miss Ruth Friedman. It is credited Gift of Ruth Friedman in memory of Harry G. Friedman.

Its dimensions are

H x diam.: 9.7 x 12.8 cm (3 13/16 x 5 1/16 in.)

Cite this object as

Inkwell; H x diam.: 9.7 x 12.8 cm (3 13/16 x 5 1/16 in.); Gift of Ruth Friedman in memory of Harry G. Friedman; 1966-3-9

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/18453587/ |title=Inkwell |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=13 March 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>