10/2025 Vase with Medallions

The exhibit of the month for October is a vase made of solid crystal glass, dating from the 1940s. Its decoration consists of twelve raised, round-cut medallions, arranged in pairs one above the other around the entire circumference. Each medallion features an engraved motif of a zodiac sign in negative relief.

The vase was designed by renowned glass artist Václav Plátek, with the engraving executed by his younger brother, Miroslav Plátek—also a prominent figure in Czech glass art. The vase was donated to the City Museum in 1951 by the national enterprise Železnobrodské sklo, specifically the former Jaroslav Vele plant, which had been nationalized along with other enterprises in Železný Brod in 1948.

Václav Plátek (1917–1994) was a prominent Czech glass artist. He studied at the State Vocational Glass-Trade School in Železný Brod under the guidance of Prof. Ladislav Přenosil, where he trained as a glass engraver and cutter. He also studied glass painting with Prof. Zdeněk Juna. After completing his studies, he worked, among other things, as a book illustrator and also designed utility glass. He also designed jewelry with shaped precious stones and artistic stone engravings, known as glyptics. He participated in many international exhibitions and received numerous awards for his work.

Miroslav Plátek (1922–1987) was a prominent Czech glass engraver. He graduated in glass engraving from the State Vocational Glassmaking and Trade School in Železný Brod, then continued his studies at the School of Applied Arts in Prague, in the studio for applied sculpture and stone and glass engraving. Even during his high school studies, he demonstrated significant talent and a distinctive style—his engravings stood out for their masterful execution and attention to detail. He most often created vases with patriotic, rural, and legionary motifs, and also engraved portraits of prominent figures. His engravings are highly valued today, with most held in private collections.