Inkipedia
Kralik Art Glass Inkwell, Lion-head Lid
| Categories | Art Nouveau, Bohemian Art Glass |
| Type | Animal, Art Glass |
| Material | Bronze, Glass |
| Markings | Unmarked |
| Manufacturer | Kralik |
| Origin | Czechoslovakia |
| Date or Era | 1880-1905 |
| Measuring | Base: 4 1/8" square by 2 5/8" high. From paw to paw: 4 3/4" square |
Beautiful iridescent art glass inkwell made by the Wilhelm Kralik Sohne art glass factory around the end of the 1800s or very early 1900s. The glass was blown into a mold, which was designed so the corners are blown out to look like paws. The inkwell sits in a decorative brass or bronze cage. The lid is a nicely detailed cast bronze lionhead.
The glass is basically green, but it has an iridescent sheen that shines with pink, purple, gold and blue as the light plays on it.
This inkwell, like other art glass inkwells made in the Bohemian region during the Art Nouveau period, are often thought to have been made by the Loetz company – or they are sold as Loetz inkwells. Loetz made very few inkwells; the great majority of art glass inkwells from this period and region were made by other glass houses such as Kralik.
Second example added 2/15/24
Sold for $550 in December 2023
Second example (rectangular base) sold for $363 in January 2024. In May 2025, rectangular base sold for $650.
Third example sold for $320 in July 2024
Another example sold for $336 in November 2024
Content disclaimer. The information posted is the owner’s best knowledge and may not have been vetted by the SOIC. We welcome comments, corrections, and additions, working to make our website information comprehensive and accurate.
Join the Society of Inkwell Collectors (SOIC) – it’s free!
Founded in 1981 as a non-profit organization,
we are documenting inkwells (and accessories).
We’re here to help and inform!