Inkipedia
Terra Cotta Inkwell
| Categories | Ceramics/Porcelain non-Figural, Early - Primitive |
| Type | Terra Cotta |
| Material | Earthenware |
| Markings | See narrative |
| Manufacturer | Undetermined |
| Origin | Italy |
| Date or Era | 1st‒2nd century AD |
| Measuring | H. 2 in. (5.1 cm) diameter 2 15/16 in. (7.5 cm) |
This terra cotta inkwell is part of the Museum of Art’s (NYC) collection of Roman art. The inkwell is decorated on the upper face with a relief of three theatrical masks. Theater was a major entertainment in the ancient world, and since plays were written down, the decoration is an appropriate one for a writing aid. Originally this inkwell had a stopper to keep the ink inside in liquid form. The letters on the underside of the base (CN-HE) are probably a form of a potter’s mark. The bronze pen was found with the inkwell.
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