Rubinato Inkwell

This entry is for my Kakak's benefit as well as the other readers who enquired about the inkwell that kept appearing in the blog pictures. Lots of pictures!



I have had my eye on this particular inkwell for quite some since last year when I saw someone on Fountain Pen Network (FPN) using it as his 'avatar' on the chat forum. And it seems that I was not the only one who enquired about it. Hence began my quest for the inkwell...

It was not easy to track this inkwell but neither was it too elusive. The inkwell is not vintage (antique) and are currently in production though in limited numbers. I saw some similar ones on the internet after extensively going through all the Google hits from the search keyword "pen rest" and "inkwell with pen rest". 

I chanced upon mine during my working trip to Calgary, Canada. It was sitting in a showcase in a greeting cards store, and it sang to me!!  Despite being seduced, it took me a few days to decide on the purchase as it was kinda expensive compared to similar ones on the internet. But no regrets. :)

Italian made by Francesco Rubinato (www.rubinato.it),  the inkwell is gilded with pewter which makes it "age" nicely when oxidised and gives it the vintage look. It is slightly larger than Pelikan's 4001 inkwell series.

I am a little cautious placing my pens on it though as I'm not sure if the pewter would scratch the pen (don't think it would as the pewter has rounded edges). Having said that, I've done it many times with no ill effects on the pens. Here's my Stipula Etruria on it.

The inkwell came in a package together with a matching dip pen and several spare nibs.

An overall great find for me! My lust for inkwells sated. :)

Have I used it? Yes most definitely, but not as often as I should. Nibs are not as great but as they are of standard size, you can replace it easily with any favourite brand. The ink is black and can be safely used in fountain pens (I think). I'm actually planning to replace the black ink with some bright coloured ones. Just to see the effect.

Here are some links if you're looking for similar inkwells. Happy hunting.

http://www.victorian-gifts.com/store/catalogimages/3c/i11863.html
http://www.florentineaustralia.com.au/Pen-Rest_frames.html
http://www.nostalgicimpressions.com/