Sparkling Tree Decorations from Gablonz 1920–1980
“A bicycle, lobster, or slide rule as a tree decoration? Christmas ornaments have always been more than religious symbols—they reflect the zeitgeist, material innovations, and the limitless imaginations of their creators. Forging a bridge between handicraft and mass production, a fascinating world of design emerged in Jablonec nad Nisou in Bohemia that continues to captivate collectors to this day. This richly illustrated publication showcases the stylistic range and technical ingenuity of these Christmas tree decorations—from exquisite hollow glass and delicate beads to avant-garde forms—using examples from the collection of the art historian Waltraud Neuwirth, which she has kindly donated to the MAK.”
Edited by Lilli Hollein and Kathrin Pokorny-Nagel,
with texts by Lilli Hollein, Petr Nový, Kathrin Pokorny-Nagel, August Ruhs, Nora Witzmann, and an interview with Waltraud Neuwirth.
Featuring photographs by Christian Mendez and artistic object arrangements by Marlene Mautner.
Published on the occasion of the exhibition of the same name at the MAK:
Bicycle & Lobster. Sparkling Tree Decorations from Gablonz
MAK Works on Paper Room, September 24, 2025 to February 1, 2026
Printed by Gugler
Image editing by Pixelstorm
German/English, 224 pages
Verlag der Buchhandlung Walther und Franz König, Köln
ISBN 978-3-7533-0837-1
2025
