# Best Ink Wells and Jars for Dip Pen Calligraphy Source: https://calligraphynest.com/best/best-ink-wells-and-jars Updated: 2026-10-20 Publisher: Calligraphy Nest. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://calligraphynest.com/how-we-research#our-score An ink well seems like an afterthought until a full jar of black ink tips over onto a stack of addressed envelopes. Good ink storage does three quiet jobs: it holds ink at a depth that covers the nib vent without drowning the flange, it stays put when bumped, and it seals well enough that leftover ink survives to the next session. Small vials in weighted wooden bases, often called dinky dips, have become the standard for good reason, but wide-mouth jars and glass wells each have their place. This guide compares the wells, jar sets, and holders that make daily dipping cleaner, steadier, and far less wasteful. ## Picks ### 1. Portable Travel Inkwell Set for Calligraphy - Glass Dropper Bottle, Dinky Dip Ink Holders, Refillable Ink Well for Dip Pens and Fountain Pens Our score: 8.2/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) A portable travel inkwell set for calligraphy with a glass dropper bottle and refillable Dinky Dip ink holders. Pros: - Dropper bottle makes refilling tiny wells clean and precise - Travel-ready kit lets you letter at events, workshops and on vacation - Refillable wells work with dip pens and fountain pen filling Cons: - Many small pieces are easy to misplace when packing up - Ink is not included, so you still need to buy bottles separately Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B0CW4B48WQ ### 2. Dinky Dip Ink Well 3-Pack Inkwell for Dip Pen for Drawing Calligraphy Ink Holder Our score: 7.9/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 9/10) A Dinky Dip ink well 3-pack, tiny screw-top ink holders for dip pen drawing and calligraphy color swaps. Pros: - Three wells let you keep black, white and a color ready at once - Screw lids let you save leftover ink instead of pouring it away - Tiny size uses little ink, which is handy for expensive metallics Cons: - Small jars tip over easily unless placed in a stand or holder - Shallow depth may not reach the vent hole on larger nibs Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B08SKQQZ93 ### 3. Glass Inkwell Set with Lid, Empty Ink Well for Dip Pen, Calligraphy Ink Holder, Ceramic Pen Rest Our score: 7.6/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) A glass inkwell set with lid and a ceramic pen rest, an empty well for dip pen calligraphy desk setups. Pros: - Ceramic pen rest keeps a wet nib off the table between strokes - Glass well with lid is tidy and easy to rinse between colors - Matching set looks neat on a lettering desk or as a gift Cons: - Check the well capacity holds enough ink for your sessions - Glass and ceramic pieces can chip if dropped Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B09DBVGN34 ### 4. Empty Ink Well with Lid, Dip Pen Rest, Nib Tin Organizer for Calligraphy Our score: 7.6/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10) Empty glass inkwell with a lid, plus a ceramic pen rest and a nib tin, made for dip pens, oblique pens and glass dip pens. Pros: - Leak-proof screw-top inkwell with a silicone holder, listed as made in the U.S.A. - Includes a ceramic pen rest and a 3 x 1.5 x 0.5 in nib tin to store nibs after lettering. - Listed as suitable for oblique, fountain and glass dip pens, and for ink or watercolor. Cons: - Costs more than a plain inkwell, and the extras are decorative as well as useful. - Empty, so ink is not included, and the opening is small for wide nibs. Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B0BR1R7FZ8 ### 5. Ink Well for Dip Pen with Lid for Fountain Pen Calligraphy Ink Holder for Glass Dip Pen Our score: 7.1/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10) An ink well for dip pens with a lid, a simple holder for fountain pen and glass dip pen ink during calligraphy. Pros: - Lid keeps ink from drying out or collecting dust between sessions - Small reservoir lets you dip nibs without tipping a full bottle - Works for glass dip pens as well as standard pointed nibs Cons: - Check the ink capacity holds enough for longer sessions - Generic listing gives few details on material or stability Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B0918RQ9R6 ### 6. Ink Well for Dip Pen with Lid Dinky Dip Ink Holder Calligraphy Nib Storage Our score: 6.6/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10) A Dinky Dip style ink well with lid for dip pens, doubling as small storage for calligraphy nibs. Pros: - Lidded jar keeps small amounts of ink ready for quick practice - Can store spare nibs when not holding ink, saving desk clutter - Compact enough to leave on the desk next to your practice pad Cons: - Check the pack count if you plan to fill more than one - Lightweight jar can be knocked over without a base Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B09VCYDFLV ### 7. Vintage Fountain Pen Ink Bottle - Fancy Vintage Glass Bottle Inkwell for Dip Pen Ink and Calligraphy, 3.5" Green Glass Our score: 6.4/10 (Fit for the job 6/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10) A vintage-style fancy glass bottle inkwell in 3.5" green glass, a decorative holder for dip pen ink on the desk. Pros: - Green vintage glass adds antique charm to a calligraphy workspace - 3.5" bottle is tall enough for quills and longer dip pens - Nice gift for fans of traditional writing and old-world desks Cons: - Colored glass makes it harder to see how much ink is left - Narrow opening may not suit short nibs that need a shallow well Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B01LVWRLRP ### 8. Glass Inkwell with Lid Empty Ink Well for Dip Pen Calligraphy Whale Pen Set Our score: 5.8/10 (Fit for the job 6/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 6/10) A glass inkwell with lid sold as an empty ink well for dip pens, paired in a whale-themed calligraphy pen set. Pros: - Glass well is easy to clean and lets you see ink levels at a glance - Lid helps keep ink fresh when you step away from the desk - Decorative whale theme makes a charming gift for letterers Cons: - Listing title is vague about exactly what the set includes - Novelty design may be less stable than a weighted inkwell Details: https://calligraphynest.com/product/B0BRHR8CLB As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.