The Czech Embassy in Qatar, in partnership with the Cultural Village (Katara), recently inaugurated a two-week exhibition titled ‘Glass Magic of Czechia’. The opening ceremony was attended by HE Petr Chalupecky, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Qatar; Saif Al Dosari, Deputy General Manager of Katara; Ms. Mariam Al-Saad, Head of Katara’s International Relations Department; members of the diplomatic community, and art enthusiasts.
In his opening remarks, ambassador Chalupecky thanked Katara’s management for their support, acknowledging the strong partnership between the Embassy and the Katara Cultural Village Foundation.
The envoy highlighted the significance of glassmaking as a central aspect of Czech heritage, mentioning that the country’s glassmaking tradition, especially Czech and Bohemian crystal, dates back over 800 years.
Czech glass is globally recognised for its expert craftsmanship and advanced techniques, such as glass cutting, intricate engraving, and glassblowing.
By the 17th and 18th centuries, Czech glassmakers had achieved a reputation rivaling Venetian glass and became renowned for producing prestigious glassware, which was much sought after by aristocracy across Europe, including the courts of French King Louis XV, Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, and Elizabeth of Russia.
The Czech envoy highlighted a key innovation in Czech glassmaking, which was the development of mold-pressed glass, a technique allowing affordable mass production of quality glass items. This breakthrough allowed Bohemian crystal to become widely accessible, finding use in everything – from drinking glasses and decanters to chandeliers.
The country also emerged as a leader in producing glass jewelry. “This rich heritage and diversity in glassmaking have solidified Czech glass as a symbol of the country’s cultural and artistic innovation,” Chalupecky said.
The ‘Glass Magic of Czechia’ exhibition features contemporary Czech glassmaking brands such as Halama, Moser, Pačinek, and Preciosa, each bringing a unique approach to the craft. Halama, a family-owned company with a century-long history, specializes in handcrafted, custom-made crystal items.
Moser, founded in 1857, is famous for luxury, lead-free crystal pieces crafted for global leaders and royalty. Pačinek’s work, led by master designer Jiří Pačinek, emphasizes dynamic and vibrant creations inspired by nature.
Finally, Preciosa, established in 1948, combines artistry with functionality in eco-friendly production, producing everything from decorative items to grand chandeliers, some of which can be found across Qatar and the Gulf region.
Through this exhibition, visitors experience Czechia’s mastery of glassmaking and its rich cultural heritage.
