This elegant inkwell set by Wedgwood & Bentley is crafted of black basalt, one of Wedgwood’s finest inventions. The set is comprised of two canisters, both held within an intriguing double stand. One is designed to hold ink and features a top with slots for quills or pens, and the other is a powder shaker with a shell-ornamented lid. Black basalt refers to the fine-grained stoneware that Josiah Wedgwood, inspired by the hard, natural stone known as Egyptian basalt, developed in the 1760s. Today, wares crafted of this beautiful pottery are highly desirable and sought by collectors. All pieces are marked “Wedgwood & Bentley” Circa 1780 6” length x 3 1/4” high