Gift Ideas: Czech Designers

Artěl Glass
No other shop in Prague combines those two elements more obviously than Artěl Glass (www.artelglass.com). Artěl Glass have been at their Celetná address (entrance off Rybná) for two years and have a truly amazing collection of glassware, furniture and curios. Whether it’s quality original Czech glassware you want or vintage Czech toys, you will find it among the impressive array of items collected by proprietor, designer and author Karen Feldman, who is as passionate about design and beautiful objects as she is about her adopted home of Prague. This passion for the Czech Republic is evident in the high-end crystal items, along with icons of Czech pop culture like Igráček, a Czech version of the toy line Playmobil.

Though she studied fine art photography, Karen made the switch to glass when she moved here. “If I hadn’t moved to the Czech Republic, I probably wouldn’t be working in glass,” Karen told me when I went to visit her store. “But there’s just so much glass here. It’s hard to avoid. I was also attracted to its functionality. I wanted to create a work of art which also had use.” This artistry is evident; the work effortlessly combines her varied inspirations, be it old textiles, illustrations from children’s books and even wallpaper into glasses, bowls and vases, so they attract you with their originality without being showy or pretentious.

The Czech Car Glass Set, designed by Maxim Velčovský. Hand-engraved and produced by Artěl Limited Edition – 25 numbered sets 35,000 CZK
Glacier Double Old Fashion, Hand-cut Glass, designed by David Wiseman, Hand-cut and produced by Artěl 6,600 CZK per piece Amber or Crystal, 7,500 CZK per piece Olive and Smoke
The Dog Handbags, exactly as the name suggests, a large bag in the shape of a dog 35,000 – 100,000 CZK depending on the dog.
The iconic carp flick knife, 150 CZK
Igráček 200 CZK

Qubus
If you’re after something quirky and cool, one place you might want to check out is Qubus Design Shop (www.qubus.cz). One very Czech gift idea is the Sommelier series, also by Maxim Velčovský. These glasses are made to resemble the typical Czech disposable cups placed on a thin stem. This is looking at tradition from a different angle. More in line with the season is Velčovský’s Life of the Snowman. This handmade glass sugar bowl gives the impression of melting snow as the sugar is used up.

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Makovský Wooden Toys
Czech toys don’t only have to mean the Little Mole. Makovský’s Wooden Toys (www.makovsky.cz) combine Makovský’s love of woodcraft with an environmentally sustainable ethic. Mr. Makovský uses wood from carefully maintained and regenerated forests. Speaking from personal experience, the reactions to his gifts have been enthusiastic. The kids of both family friends seem to be very fond of the wooden turtle or wooden car they got from Makovský. But it’s not only kids who would like the products. Makovský also makes very tasteful traditional Christmas decorations for those who are not so into the more outrageous side of Czech design. Particularly popular among family and friends are his hand carved candlesticks.