Czech Modern-Design Christmas Ornaments Shine this Season

Numerous designers at Prague’s annual DesignSupermarket will offer an edgy take on traditional Czech ornaments

Elizabeth Zahradnicek-Haas

Written by Elizabeth Zahradnicek-Haas Published on 05.12.2016 13:57:43 (updated on 05.12.2016) Reading time: 2 minutes

From the glass-beaded beauties produced in the northern Bohemian town of Poniklá to the glass-blown, hand-painted stunners made by 100-year-old Dvůr Králové company Ozdoba in the east, Christmas ornament production has a rich history in the Czech Republic. 

Visitors to this week’s designSUPERMARKET, held this year at Kafka’s House on Prague’s Old Town Square, will be able to shop for holiday decorations emerging from another of the country’s important artistic traditions—its modern design movement.

A number of the nearly 100 designers and artists participating in this year’s market will be selling holiday ornaments that offer an edgy update on the traditional Czech straw or glass tree-trimmers.

Minimalist Christmas balls by NAJLETO
Minimalist Christmas balls by NAJLETO

“We added a Christmas series to this year because we wanted to offer an alternative to Christmas mass production,” writes the Studio Muck whose brass-and-wood nativity scenes are comprised of blocky, geometric figures.

The collective will also debut its tiny bullet-shaped golden pigs and greeting cards adorned with carp scales on Thursday.

Studio Muck’s Christmas collection is just one among many holiday-themed decorations to appear at the festival this year. Studio P3LI will sell a line of hand-blown, transparent glass bulbs inspired by snow balls.

The golden pig of Czech tradition by Studio Muck
The golden pig of Czech tradition by Studio Muck

Design studio NAJLETO makes its minimalist Christmas balls from porcelain; the ornaments can be purchased in a boxes of four or eight and decorated with felt-tip markers for a unique personalized gift.

Ornaments inspired by snowballs from Studio P3L1
Ornaments inspired by snowballs from Studio P3L1

In addition to contemporary ornaments from local artists, the market will host Plevel +, a flower shop that uses wildflowers and weeds from the Czech countryside to create custom-made festive floral arrangements.

The stall is conveniently located next to a coffee stand; place your order and enjoy a break from shopping while the florists assemble your designer advent wreath or piney bouquet on the spot.

Wildflower advent wreath by Plevel +
Wildflower advent wreath by Plevel +

The tenth annual designSUPERMARKET takes place from December 8-11; other highlights from the event include a large pop-up bookstore, workshops, food and drink vendors, and DJs.

Win tickets here.

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