Kralik Papillon Cobalt Art Glass

A square-shaped Bohemian art glass inkwell crafted by Kralik. It features the Papillon Cobalt pattern, known for its iridescent finish that shimmers withs blue, green, and purple hues. The glass has a textured surface. The inkwell is missing its insert.

The inside of the bronze leaf lid is marked with the following:
O. E. P. 10385 (Österreiches Patent)
D.R.G.M. 188480 (Deutches Reich Gebrauchsmuster/ German Reich Registered Design)

The Kralik glassworks, originally founded by Josef Meyr in 1815 in Bohemia, played a significant role in the production of Bohemian art glass. Initially known as Adolfshutte, the factory underwent several ownership changes. After Josef’s passing, his son Jan took over, and by then, the company owned four glass factories. Jan’s nephews, Josef Taschek and Wilhelm Kralik, eventually became the owners. The company’s name evolved from J. Meyr’s Neffen to J. Meyr’s Neffe. Following Wilhelm Kralik’s death in 1877, the company split into two branches: Heinrich and Johann retained the name Wilhelm Kralik Sohne, while Hugo and Karl continued under Meyr’s Neffe. Kralik continued producing glassware until World War II.