Czech (Bohemian) Crystal Glass

Czech (Bohemian) Crystal Glass: History

Czech (Bohemian) crystal glass kitchenware, including wine glasses, bottles, vases, bowls and plates is one the unique products Czech Republic and Slovak Republic are proud of. The origins of the bohemian crystal glassware manufacturing industry are in 15th century. It gained extreme popularity among the Bohemian elite during 17th - 18th centuries. During the 18th century it became notorious across Europe, the North America and the Middle East, and special centers called ” Bohemian houses” were founded in London, Paris, New York, Mexico, Cairo and in other places as well.

Nowadays, crystal glassware artists mix the medieval and modern designs, making their works both traditional and fashionable. Thousands of the Czech Republic visitors from around the world buy these works because of their beauty, uniqueness, high quality and affordable prices.

The best quality Czech (Bohemian) crystal glass contains 24% lead pbo. There is also another type of crystal, which has a lower content of lead (10% pbo).

Czech (Bohemian) Crystal Glass: Manufacturing Process

Traditionally, the crystal glass kitchenware and souvenirs are produced in small workshops using manual methods that include blowing, engraving, cutting and painting. This method has been changed in only a small extent since its invention.

In the first stage of production, the glass blower gathers some melted glass from an incinerator and blows it using long metal pipe to a required size. In the second stage, he shapes its work using a wooden frame. The third stage is cooling and it takes 48 hours. In the fourth stage, the crystal glass product undergoes a hand-cut process. The turners use for this purpose wet carborundum wheel. This stage is probably the most creative, since at this stage the product receives its unique shape and ornament. The fifth and final stage is polishing.

Czech (Bohemian) Crystal Glass: Manufacturers’ Marks and Shops

Moser Glass: this shop is located on one of the main Prague’s shopping streets Na Příkopě. It offers branded glassware and souvenirs of the same-named manufacturer. This fancy shop is worth a visit even if only for the gorgeous gothic building featuring it, dům U černé růže (House of the Black Rose)
Na Příkopě 12
Old Town, Prague 1

Rott Crystal: this shop includes 4 floors of crystal glassware, porcelain and souvenirs, and it’s located in restored neo-Renaissance building with 1890s wall paintings on the facade.

Malé námestí 3
Old Town, Prague 1

Bohemian Glassworks: the manufacturer of fine-art Czech (Bohemian) crystal glass, mirrors, gifts, Paperweights, historic glass and more. This factory is located in Lusatia (Northern Bohemia), an ancient glassworks area.

Skalice 134
47117 Skalice
Phone: +420 487 754 599

Bohemia Crystal Palace: the manufacturer of fine-art Czech (Bohemian) crystal glass, chandeliers and porcelain.

Bezručova 15
418 01 Bílina
Phone: +420 608 720 283

LuckyGlass: the small family firm that produces crystal and colored chandeliers adorned by hand cutting, painting and gilding. The firm’s owner continues the family tradition and carries on his father’s chandelier producing heritage.

M. Horákové 1560
504 01 Nový Bydžov
+ 420 495 491 910