A Knight Among Glassmakers: Zdeněk Drobný Honored by France
In a celebration of extraordinary craftsmanship and artistic excellence, Moser Glassworks witnessed a historic moment as master glassmaker Zdeněk Drobný was bestowed with the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters. The prestigious accolade, presented by the French Ambassador to the Czech Republic, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts and literature. For Drobný and Moser, this recognition marks a moment of immense pride and achievement.
The honor is not new to Moser Glassworks. In 2020, master engraver Tomáš Lesser received the same title, making Moser the only glassworks in the Czech Republic to have two such distinguished recipients. This accolade underscores the unparalleled artistry and dedication found within the walls of this historic Karlovy Vary institution.
Drobný’s reaction to receiving the award was a mix of disbelief and joy. “I still can't quite grasp that I've received such an important honor. I am incredibly happy that it has come to Moser. I think now of the masters who taught me the craft and the young glassmakers I've had the pleasure to work with. I wish they could experience this feeling once in their lifetime,” he shared.
This recognition is a testament to Moser’s commitment to excellence, reaffirming its status among the world's premier glass manufacturers. The company’s membership in the prestigious French association Comité Colbert further highlights its dedication to preserving and promoting the traditional handcrafting of luxury goods.
Drobný joins an illustrious group of honorees, including Czech luminaries such as Václav Havel, Jiří Menzel, and Bohumil Hrabal, as well as international icons like Sean Connery, Clint Eastwood, Audrey Hepburn, and David Bowie. His lifelong dedication to glassmaking, spanning 51 years at Moser, has culminated in this well-deserved recognition.
Pavel Mencl, CEO of Moser, praised Drobný’s unwavering commitment to the craft. “Zdeněk Drobný has spent his entire professional life with us, for 51 years. He has blown the most demanding pieces and beverage sets, including those that have graced royal tables. His dedication to glassmaking has always been his life’s mission, and it is gratifying to see his work recognized by the French Ministry.”
To commemorate this honor, Moser is launching a new limited edition vase, ERA. Inspired by his award, Drobný returned to the furnace after two years of retirement to create this masterpiece. “When I learned I would receive the knighthood, I returned to the furnace to blow a new vase to celebrate this honor,” said Drobný.
Jan Plecháč, Moser’s Artistic Director and 2023 Grand Designer of the Year, designed the ERA vase. “I wanted to create something truly unique. With Zdeněk Drobný returning to the furnace, I could harness his incredible skills and understanding of glass. We brought together the best cutters, merging their masterful skills and passion into this unique challenge. It was a symbiosis of mastery and inspiration that brought our vase to life,” Plecháč explained.
The ERA vase is available in three stunning variants: pure crystal, crystal layered with alexandrite, and underlay crystal with a three-color core (aurora, amethyst, and pink). Each vase is unique, with different interplays of color making each piece a one-of-a-kind treasure. The limited edition consists of only 77 pieces, each signed by Drobný and Plecháč, and marked with a unique number.
For more information and to explore the ERA collection, visit moser.com.
About Moser
Founded in Karlovy Vary, Moser has dedicated 167 years to the art of handcrafting glass. Known for its high-quality lead-free crystal, Moser's creations are celebrated both domestically and internationally, solidifying its position as a leading Czech exporter. As a member of the Comité Colbert, Moser is committed to preserving the tradition of luxury handcrafting. The company’s glassmaking was recently inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Additionally, Moser achieved great success at the Czech Grand Design awards, where its Forest Soul collection was named Manufacturer of the Year, and Artistic Director Jan Plecháč was honored as Designer of the Year and overall winner.
For more details, visit moser.com.
