18th Century Soapstone Inkwell

This hand-carved soapstone inkwell is a rare example of 18^th century American folk art, characteristic of the Revolutionary War era. Its intricate design and utilitarian form reflect the craftsmanship of early New England settlers who utilized locally quarried stone for essential writing tools.

Key Decorative Features

• Material: It is carved from a single block of soapstone (also known as steatite), a soft, metamorphic rock valued for being easily shaped with simple hand tools.
• Body & Form: The piece features a distinct slanted shoulder (chamfered or canted edges) leading down to a sturdy, square base.
• Chip Marked “Lace” Pattern: A striking feature is the delicate hand-carved ornamentation. The repeating rows of incised dots and geometric lines create a “lace” effect, a level of detail more sophisticated than the plain, utilitarian blocks typical of the period.
• Hole Configuration: It contains a deep central well for dipping a quill, surrounded by four smaller quill holes at each corner.

Historical Context & Origin

• Region: It was likely manufactured in the New England area, where significant soapstone deposits were found in Vermont and New Hampshire (principally Francestown and Keene).
• Date: Attributed to the late 18th century (circa 1770–1790). The quill hole design confirms its age, as it predates the 19th-century transition to single-hole holders for metal-nibbed dip pens.
• Rarity: While simple soapstone inkwells were once common in colonial homes, pieces with this specific level of decorative “lace” carving are rare.