Egermann – Mastery of Czech Hand-Decorated Glass

Egermann of Nový Bor represents an iconic Czech brand of hand-decorated glass that has, for generations, combined traditional glassmaking artistry with timeless elegance. In a region with a rich glassmaking heritage dating back to the 19th century, unique pieces are created that appeal both to passionate collectors and to admirers of exceptional, representative interiors.

The brand bears the legacy of Friedrich Egermann (1777–1864), a renowned glass technologist and painter from northern Bohemia. His studies in Meissen, Germany—then the European center of porcelain production—laid the foundations of his mastery of decorative techniques. After returning to Nový Bor, he devoted his life to refining the art of glassmaking and to seeking new, previously unseen ways of decorating glass.

Friedrich Egermann’s most significant contribution came in 1832 with the development of the celebrated ruby staining technique, which gave glass its deep, rich red hue. This distinctive surface is subsequently adorned with delicate baroque motifs through cutting and engraving, lending each piece an opulent character and refined elegance. Over time, the technique was expanded to include other sophisticated color variations, such as amber, blue, and green.

A few years ago, the company was forced to cease production as manufacturing costs rose dramatically and could no longer be sustained. Until the very end, Egermann glass was produced exclusively using traditional Czech techniques, with an uncompromising emphasis on precise hand craftsmanship. Each vase, bottle, glass, or bowl is an original—an artistic work that carries a story of craftsmanship, history, and exceptional mastery. Egermann glass is not merely a decorative object, but a lasting value and a symbol of Czech glassmaking tradition in its purest form.