Veined Black and Gold Marble Inkwell, Brass-Hinged Lid on Oval Base

Marble desk sets — inkwells, blotters, and pen trays carved and polished from a single slab — were a staple of the well-appointed writing desk from the 19th century onward, prized as much for the natural veining of the stone as for their function, since no two pieces of marble ever read quite the same.

This inkwell is carved from a dense black marble with dramatic beige and gold veining running through it, set on a broad oval base with a cylindrical well and a matching hinged lid mounted on a brass hinge. No maker's mark or date is visible on the piece, so it is offered as an antique-style desk piece rather than with a specific attributed date. The polish alone is doing real work here — mineral veining like this runs all the way through the stone rather than sitting on the surface, so a marble carver has to cut and polish blind to some extent, never knowing exactly how the pattern inside a block will land until the final surface is ground and buffed.

Condition is excellent. The inkwell has clearly been well kept, and now moves forward to a new desk. Well suited to a writing desk, a study, or a display cabinet, where its veining catches the light from more than one angle.

Measuring 32 x 20 cm across the base, it has substantial scale and real heft for a desk accessory — solid marble rather than a hollow or composite piece.

DETAILS
Size: 32 x 20 cm (12.6 x 7.9 in)
Material: veined black and gold marble with a brass hinge
Style-Period: antique-style desk piece
Shipping: professionally packed, fully insured, worldwide — we handle the paperwork, with all import duties paid by us; nothing to settle on delivery
Condition: excellent
Returns: accepted within 30 days

Read our condition standard. Please ask if you need additional photographs or measurements.

Worldwide delivery is included in the price. Every piece is individually packed, tracked and fully insured. No shipping charge is added at checkout. If your destination is not listed, please contact us before ordering.

Maison Jaspers pays US tariffs and import duties. For other destinations, local import taxes and duties may apply and are payable by the recipient. Contact us before ordering if you need destination-specific guidance.

Dispatch timing is shown above. Transit time depends on your destination.

Delivery information

Notify us within 30 days of delivery if you wish to return a piece. No reason is required. You pay return shipping for a change-of-mind return.

Return instructions and your consumer rights