Carved Wooden Pen Pot

The Oaknook Carved Wooden Pen Pot has more presence than a plain block. It is turned and then carved, so the detail is cut into the timber rather than printed onto it, and that difference shows up over years of use rather than on the first day. A pen pot is one of the few desk objects that is always visible, so it is worth it being something you actually like looking at rather than a plastic cup.

It holds a full handful of pens comfortably and doubles as somewhere to drop keys, a watch or loose change at the end of the day, which is often what a pot on a desk actually ends up doing. The opening is wide enough to reach into without knocking the contents over. Depth matters as much as width here: shallow pots tip when a long pen leans, and this one is cut deep enough to hold a full length pen securely upright.

A weighted base keeps it stable when you pull a pen from one side rather than the centre. Because the detailing is carved, it wears in rather than wearing off, and the surface darkens gradually with handling. Wipe with a dry cloth; avoid soaking or standing it in water. Because the carving is cut rather than applied, it can be sanded and re-oiled years later if it is ever marked, which a printed finish cannot survive.

• Solid wood with carved detail
• Holds pens, brushes or small items
• Weighted base for stability
• Carved rather than printed detailing
• Wipe clean with a dry cloth