The recently concluded Czech Design Week was a scintillating example of the wonders of Czech designs in glassworks, jewellery and fashion trends. The artistry and craftsmanship of the glassworks was a breathtaking reminder of an art form that has underlined the Czechoslovakian culture for centuries together, eventually setting the tone of glass-making in Europe, as well as worldwide. One glance at the variety that was laid on each table, and one knew where the phrase “golden little Czech hands” comes from. The intricate designs, impeccable cutting and matchless finish make one gape at the gift these Czechs are born with.
Extensive regions within Bohemia and Moravia continue to remain the nucleus of Czech glass-making. Perhaps that would explain why the Bohemian display of tableware had the maximum takers at the expo. These were created by one of the oldest glassmakers in Czechoslovakia, a company called The Frantisek Halama Company. Having been in the business for over four generations, they are one of the few companies that have managed to escape the vagaries of global industrialisation by keeping their moulds fresh and original. It’s one of those establishments where the ancestors pass on their secret to their successors who carefully guarding the know-how within the family. And the exclusivity shows. Every piece of tableware — be it the liqueur and perfume bottles, flower vase, paper weights and ashtrays — is a composition of embossed motifs that range from historical and mythological characters, Renaissance period to human anatomy and animal and bird
figures. Mostly, these are portrayed in the
Art Nouveu style, where the whole piece is contrasted with
a matted central motif, which renders the
piece with a unique character.
Some of these pieces were also echoes of the Baroque period, when Bohemia gained a reputation for its ruby glass and Bohemian crystal, which is actually a thick, hard crystalline brilliant glass. After the glass was produced in rough form in the glassworks, glassmakers ground it and typically engraved or cut it according to designs based on contemporary graphic works. And then at the turn of the 20th century, the Art Nouveau culture that took over.
While Halama is all about clinging to tradition, Bohemia Machine Glass, another glass making giant is underlined by experimentation. Using gold and platinum plating, their glassware are modern and futuristic in their design. The spread of champagne, wine and shot glasses are eye-catching in their unconventional shapes and motifs. They use a unique technique — called the sand blasting technology — to create delicate pyramid patterns. The use of colours is also impressive in the way they manage to blend various shades and use the cutting and lighting to give it a multi-dimensional look. Six top designers of the country, who lent their expertise to a company that has many years of experience in glass cutting, developed the range. A unique feature about these glass works is that they are lead free, making them eco-friendly. But now, these artisans are preparing to begin production using a continuous furnace designed for manufacturing lead crystal. By the way the glass is produced, it can promise a matchless brilliance.
Czechoslovakia is also known for its glass jewellery that has adorned both nobility and common people ever since the 14th century. The craftsmanship was obvious in the beaded jewellery section that boasted a fascinating spread of cuts and colours incorporated within neckpieces, earrings and bracelets. There was also the use of a variety of beads such as fire-polished, peacock, pressed glass to name a few.
The underlining feature of these Czech glassworks is their playfulness with designs and a rather unorthodox approach while dealing with shapes and forms — qualities that puts this artistry beyond comparison from anywhere in the world. It’s almost like give them a piece of glass and these “golden little Czech hands” will show you what talent and imagination is capable of.