An inkwell was used to hold ink before modern ball-point pens were invented. People would fill the inkwell with ink and dip a feather or a pointed stick into the ink. They could then use the stick to write.

Using an inkwell could be a little messy. It would be easy to spill ink on your desk or drop a spot on your paper. Aren’t you glad someone invented the ball-point pen!

This stoneware inkwell was made by Benjamin Wade Owen of Jugtown Pottery in 1948. Ben's family has been making pottery in Moore County since the 1740s.