Pavel Janák

The outstanding architect, urban planner, designer and pedagogue Pavel Janák (1882–1956) was the leading theoretician of the Czech Cubist movement. He saw the inclined surfaces and crystalline forms of Cubism as an expression of the presence of human spiritual power overcoming the formative forces of nature.

Janák's ceramics from 1911 significantly influenced the face of Czech and European Art Deco. The author, despite the practical limitations that the object of everyday use represents for the artist-designer, was able to apply his artistic concept with sensitivity and elegance, revealing his unique abilities. In addition to the now iconic crystal jar, architect Janák also created several other jars, drink sets and a collection of vases.

Janák was one of the first to use a zigzag pattern on ceramics, which became one of the decorative symbols of his time in the following decades.