The Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague cordially invites you to the scholarly colloquium
Between West and East.
Multicultural Phenomena in the Czech Art Industry 1850–1930 with Particular Emphasis on Glass, Porcelain, and Stoneware Production
Date: Thursday, 9 October 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Venue: Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague
The one-day colloquium will explore the impact of Asian art on Czech and Central European applied arts from the historicist revival styles and Orientalism of the nineteenth century to the decorative idioms of the 1920s. Special attention will be devoted to the production of porcelain, ceramics, and glass, while also considering parallel tendencies in neighboring countries.
The programme includes four specialized lectures by leading experts, followed by discussions. The event will be conducted in English.
Programme
10:00–10:15 – Registration / Accreditation of Participants
10:15–10:20 – Opening Remarks Representative of the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague / Project Coordinator
10:20–11:00 – Filip Suchomel: Hidden Japonisme in Czech Ceramic and Porcelain Production of the 19th and Early 20th Centuries
11:00–11:10 – Discussion/Coffee break
11:10–11:50 – Mirjam Denes: Pattern and Patriotism: Orientalism, Japonisme, and National Identity in Hungarian Ceramics
11:50–12:00 – Discussion
12:00–13:30 – Lunch Break
13:30–14:10 – Piotr Spławski: Continuity Interrupted: East Asian and Other Oriental Inspirations in Polish Ceramics and Glass from the Late 19th Century to the 1930s
14:10–14:20 – Discussion/Coffee break
14:20–15:00 – Jan Mergl: An Oriental Intermezzo in the Production of Harrach Glassworks
15:00–15:10 – Discussion
15:10–15:30 – Closing Remarks and General Discussion Symposium Convenors
We look forward to your participation.