A very rare Caughley inkwell and liner transfer-printed in the Bell Toy pattern, circa 1777-88, unmarked, 7.3cm high (chipped, cracked, repaired) Provenance: Wright Collection no.459, purchased from Norley in 1994. Prior to the widespread use of fountain pens in the 1800s, people would have to carry ink with them if they wanted to write whilst out on the road. A large number of inkwells were also made from various materials which were intended to remain solely in situ on a desk. In this case, as with this example, the use of decoration became more important than practicality. Generally, records show that a large number of porcelain inkwells were made in England intended either as souvenirs or for intended export to the USA. However, due to the fragility of these objects, porcelain examples are rare survivors and are sought after by collectors, particularly as the end of the 19th century saw the mass-market use of fountain pens which transformed the inkwell from an much needed important, functional object to a purely decorative one.