Buffalo / Bison Inkstand

This cast metal inkstand features a detailed figure of a bison, captured in a walking pose. The base has a pen holder in the front. The removable inkwell is made of cobalt blue cut glass—a vibrant and deep shade of blue. It is faceted with multiple panels that are ground and polished to a smooth finish. The inkwell’s hinged lid has a hand-painted floral design.

The choice of the bison as a subject for a desk accessory is a distinctive American motif. The bison, an iconic symbol of the American West, gained popularity as a decorative element in the late 19th century, particularly as a reflection of westward expansion and national identity. The style of the inkstand, with its figurative design and combination of cast metal and faceted glass, is characteristic of the Victorian era (circa 1880-1910). The use of the term “cut glass” refers to the precise grinding and polishing of the glass to create the facets. The 1901 Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo NY generated many items, including inkwells, with a bison motif.