Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 5

Extremely Rare Original Cubist Ceramic Box "Crystal" By Architect Pavel Janák

About the Item

The ceramic box "Crystal" offered here by Gallery Bruno and Weber was designed by the Czechoslovakian architect Pavel Janák (1881 - 1956). It is one of the most important exhibits of applied Cubist design in general. Only in Czechoslovakia did the phenomenon of Cubism manifest itself in architecture, design, and all areas of applied arts. The box has a hexagonal base with slightly bent walls, and a lid that resembles a crystal lattice. The box was designed for Artěl in 1911 and made by the company Graniton in Svijany - Podoli. It is part of the collection of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. The offered artwork is the only one of its kind that still possesses its original paper label, a rare feature that significantly enhances its authenticity and historical value. Pavel Janák (1881-1956), a distinguished Czech architect and theorist, played a pivotal role in shaping modernist design. Educated under Otto Wagner and influenced by Jan Kotěra, Janák's 1911 article "The Prism and The Pyramid" established him as a key figure in Czech Cubism. His work, characterized by dynamic forms and a departure from traditional structures, includes the iconic Fara House in Pelhřimov.
  • Creator:
    Pavel Janák (Designer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 2.52 in (6.4 cm)Width: 2.52 in (6.4 cm)Depth: 2.25 in (5.7 cm)
  • Style:
    Other (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1911
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. The ceramic box is in perfect condition. The black lines that accentuate the crystalline form are not washed out, no chips or discolorations.
  • Seller Location:
    PRAHA 4, CZ
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU9482237600912
You May Also Like
  • Extremely Rare Austrian Cigarette Box or Tin Signed by Walter Bosse, circa 1951
    By Walter Bosse
    Located in Landau an der Isar, Bayern
    An extremely rare brass box or tin designed by Walter Bosse for storing cigarettes or tobacco in. We have yet to find this example in any publication on Bosse's work although simila...
    Category

    Vintage 1950s Austrian Mid-Century Modern Cigar Boxes and Humidors

    Materials

    Brass

  • Extremely Rare Pair of Regency Cast-Iron Sarcophagus Shaped Strong Boxes
    Located in Benington, Herts
    An extremely rare pair of Regency cast-iron sarcophagus shaped strong boxes. Regency, circa 1820 Painted to simulate palisander wood and with parcel-gilt, the cavetto-moulded hinged lids cast with flower sprays above foliate-cast bands over front panels relieved with river gods within canted corners cast with standing muses, the sides with lion mask and ring handles over leafy aprons on massive lion’s paw feet; the Brahmah type lock stamped “T. Davis from London” and impressed with the Royal Crown. These extraordinary pieces are modelled on Regency wine coolers. The forms are classic Greco-Roman revival with the boat-hook handles, mythic figures and the overall sarcophagus pattern. You would struggle to find one let alone a pair. Good items for any collection. Research on going into these strong boxes but we have found possible information on the lock stamped Davis….(historyoflocks ) The relationship of King George III and George Davis of Windsor, who was locksmith in ordinary to His Majesty. Davis, in 1799, invented and patented a unique style of lock, which was also beautifully engraved with a warning not to make duplicate keys. Sensitive government secrets always demanded, then as today, locks that were state of the art. Davis locks ended up on government dispatch boxes...
    Category

    Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Commodes and Chests of Drawers

    Materials

    Iron

  • Extremely Rare Important 19th Century Platinum, Blue, White Floral Moser Box
    By Moser Glassworks
    Located in New York, NY
    The Following Item we are Offering is A Magnificent Rare 19th Century Moser Box. Moser aqua-blue glass dresser box has geometric cross design in platinum with blue and white bellflow...
    Category

    20th Century French Decorative Boxes

    Materials

    Platinum

  • Ceramic Box by Longchamp
    By Longchamp
    Located in Los Angeles, CA
    Beautiful ceramic box with green and white coloring by Longchamp. Marked "Longchamp France" on underside. Great stash box and tabletop object.
    Category

    Vintage 1970s French Ceramics

    Materials

    Ceramic

  • Rock Crystal Boxes by Phoenix
    Located in New York, NY
    Pair of rock crystal boxes with polish brass covers, Crated by Phoenix gallery, custom size and metal finish upon request.
    Category

    21st Century and Contemporary Decorative Boxes

    Materials

    Rock Crystal

  • Rock Crystal Box by Phoenix
    Located in New York, NY
    Smoky rock crystal box carved from raw natural rock crystal, antique brass decoration. Created by Phoenix Gallery. Custom size, metal finish, a...
    Category

    21st Century and Contemporary Decorative Boxes

    Materials

    Rock Crystal

Recently Viewed

View All