Collection of inkstands has about 200 items of Russian and foreign production, made in different historical styles. Especially valuable are the author's and memorial items. First inkstands appeared with the creation of thin canvases, such as parchment and papyrus. In Egypt and China ink for writing was made of soot and oil. From the III century of our era a similar composition was used in Rome and Greece. As the inkstand one could use any suitable vessel: earthenware bowls, horns inserted in the top of the table, chemist's vials. But most often the vessel for ink was made on purpose, having at first the simple form of cylinder, cube, jug, glass. For centuries the appearance of the inkstands has changed. In XVIII-XIX centuries the production and variety of inkwells increased — from the massive inkstands, which occupied the central place on the desk, to road devices with ink pots. A variety of metals, glass, porcelain, marble, horn, semi-precious stones were used as a material. Mass production of inkwells was organized not only in numerous bronze casting workshops, but also in large jewelry companies having the title of Suppliers of the Imperial court – Sazikov, Ovchinnikov, Khlebnikov, Grachev brothers, Faberge. Exceptional craftsmanship of manufacturers quite often turned utilitarian objects into works of art, which were used not only directly, but also to decorate the interiors of offices, libraries and boudoirs. Inkstands were very common gifts during the XIX –XX centuries. The shops of St. Petersburg have always had a rich selection of these products, designed for different tastes and financial possibilities.
