8/2023: Vase with a Summer Theme

The author of this thin-walled crystal vase in the shape of a chalice is Jindřich Tockstein. The vase was made in 1938. The wall above the bottom is decorated with an elegant vertical soft cut up to a height of 4 cm. The main decoration of the vase is an engraving with the theme of Summer. In its center is a naked woman among clouds, and around her are small scenes depicting a woman harvesting grain and a woman binding sheaves. Every detail creates a unique and eye-catching image of this work of art. The vase was precisely and sensitively processed by Miroslav Plátek. Its dimensions are height 21.2 cm and diameter 12.4 cm.

Jindřich Tockstein (1914-1975) was an exceptional figure in Czech art. As a glass engraver, graphic artist and painter, he became famous for his unconventional and bohemian nature. He was born in Železný Brod and after graduating from the Železný Brod Glass School, he continued his studies at the Academy of Applied Arts in Prague. However, he soon began to develop his own artistic techniques and taught himself to draw, paint and engrave glass. His designs and engravings on glass won recognition and became popular not only in Czechoslovakia, but also abroad. In addition to his glass works, he also devoted himself to painting and graphics. Although his life was full of obstacles, his artistic influence endured and influenced subsequent generations of artists and glass school students until the 1990s. Jindřich Tockstein thus left an unforgettable mark on Czech art.

Miroslav Plátek (1920-1987) was an important Czech glass engraver. He studied at the State Glass and Trade School in Železný Brod and subsequently at the School of Applied Arts in Prague. Already during his studies, he showed himself as an extremely talented artist with a unique style. His engravings impressed with their masterful technique and precision in detail. He most often created vases with legionary themes, patriotic motifs, but also scenes from life in the countryside or portraits of prominent personalities. His authorial style was unmistakable and gave his works uniqueness and value. Plátek was also lately engaged in teaching activities at the Secondary Glass School of Arts and Crafts in Železný Brod. Today, his engravings are prized and found mostly in private collections.

The vase was donated to the city museum by n.p. Železnobrodské sklo in 1949, specifically the former factory of Jaroslav Vele. It was nationalized together with other Železný Brod enterprises in 1948.