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Prague, Czech Republic

Jakub Janďourek

Dechem Studio
Glassblower

Working on instinct

  • Jakub initially studied cultural theory before turning to glass
  • He runs a studio with his partner Michaela Tomišková
  • They plan to open a glassworks in Prague

Looking at the works of Jakub Janďourek, it is easy to forget that glass derives from sand; it is as if only air shaped these objects. Even the requisite fire vanishes from one's mind. His colour range consists of subtle, pastel tones giving a translucent coating to the forms, while the simplistic, neat contours are disrupted by organic curves. Despite his minimalist style, Jakub's works also have a certain playfulness at their core. "I just play with glass," he explains. "Sometimes, when working on a piece, I spot something peculiar, and regardless of my original plan, I stop and leave the object as it is." This open-mindedness, as opposed to sticking to rigid rules, makes his creations sophisticated.


Interview

©David Sklenar
©Bet Orten
Your work feels modern. Do you follow traditions?
My approach to both traditions and innovations is restrained. I do not innovate feverishly, nor survey the history of every technique. I simply work with the skills I have learned, my knowledge, and what I have at my disposal. I prefer the works to be curious rather than perfect.
What led you to glass?
I felt a desperate need to work manually, and glass fascinated me. Its transparency, luminosity, malleability, its shine when heated, the methods of cold refining. I love all kinds of glass. It was an intuitive choice.
What was it like starting out?
The beginning was hard. Shifts start before 6:00. The heat is unbearable; you're wet from sweat, hands burnt. But the reward is big; I love those moments when I work with the warm glass and just let my body find its own way. My mind's clear, no thoughts.
How do you run your studio?
It is not just me; I run it together with my partner, designer Michaela Tomišková. I create prototypes of all our objects and make approximately a third of our range with my own hands – usually in cases when the piece's handcrafted nature is crucial.
Jakub Janďourek is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2002

Where


Jakub Janďourek

Address: Na zatorach 1, 170 00, Prague, Czech Republic
Hours: Monday to Friday 09:00-18:00
Phone: +420 605533446
Languages: Czech, English, Russian, Italian

Find Jakub Janďourek in the itinerary

Prague: on the trail of the Czech glass tradition
1 location
This 7-stop itinerary takes you through Prague, on an adventure to discover the city’s centuries-old glassmaking tradition, which was recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2023. Known worldwide as Bohemian glass, Prague’s glass is famous for its exceptional quality and intricate craftsmanship, with techniques like engraving, cutting, and blowing passed down through generations. From medieval roots to global acclaim, this journey through Prague’s historic centre – named the world’s most beautiful city in 2021 – is an immersion into the art of glass.

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