Inkstand refers to a stand or tray which is used to hold pens, bottles of ink, candle etc. Inkstands were found as early as the eighteenth century.  Inkstands included tightly-capped inkwell and a sand-shaker for fast-drying of ink. Before the widespread usage of fountain pens, inkstands with tightly closing lids were a part and parcel of a travelling kit. Ceramics, silver, glass, and copper was used to make antique inkstands. They appeared in attractive patterns and designs.