Most of the early Islamic metalwork was cast in quarternary bronze, i.e. brass with the addition of tin and lead. The decoration was either cast, pierced or engraved and especially this last type had a tendency before the 11th century to become increasingly complicated and detailed.

Although small bronze inkwell were used by the Romans, glass ones were preferred in early Islamic times. Large metal inkwell emerged during the 11th century and this particular typology became standard in Mesopotamia and Persia during the 12th century. Two types of ink were used in medieval Islam, one a soluble solid with a soot base known as midad, the other a liquid mixture of gallnuts and vitriol called hibr. Inkwells such as this were intended for the latter ink, hence their name mihbara. They commonly held a liq or piece of ink-soaked felt or wool and were also provided with an inner horizontal rim to prevent spilling.