The Piece
A rare Bohemian cut-crystal pendant chandelier, made in Czechoslovakia, dating precisely to circa 1947–1952—the brief postwar export period when traditional glasshouses in northern Bohemia (notably Kamenický Šenov and Nový Bor) resumed production after World War II. The piece features a deeply wheel-cut crystal bowl etched in cross-hatch and eight-point starburst motifs, surmounted by a flared faceted bobeche on a brass stem. Around the rim, small hooked fittings once supported a fringe of prism drops, designed to catch candlelight and early electric bulbs with dazzling precision. A sophisticated hybrid of late Art Deco geometry and emerging mid-century clarity.
Design & Construction
→ Form & Style:
Broad shallow “basket” bowl of lead crystal with cross-cut lattice and starburst motifs; flared faceted bobeche; single brass stem and suspension chain with cloth-covered cord; ring of fine brass hooks for crystal fringe.
→ Materials:
Hand-cut Bohemian lead crystal and solid brass fittings, with original patina.
→ Function:
Designed as a single-socket hanging pendant or small chandelier for domestic interiors; meant to be fitted with clear bulb and optional icicle prisms for full refractive effect.
History & Provenance
Following the end of WWII, Czechoslovakia reestablished itself as one of the world’s premier exporters of high-lead cut crystal. Between 1947 and 1952, workshops in the northern Bohemian glass belt revived prewar Art Deco designs for Western markets. The stamped triangular export mark reading “MADE IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA” identifies this as part of that early postwar production—before the nationalized factories adopted simplified marks in the mid-1950s. The design’s precision cutting, modest scale, and reliance on prewar patterns place it squarely in that short, distinctive moment of Czech lighting history.
Condition
Excellent structural condition with minor surface wear; brass exhibits authentic aged patina. Original hooks intact; fringe missing. Rewiring recommended prior to installation.
Product Details
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Maker | Bohemian glassworks, Czechoslovakia |
| Model | Wheel-cut crystal “basket” pendant |
| Year | c. 1947 – 1952 |
| Materials | Lead crystal, brass hardware |
| Mark | Triangular export stamp: MADE IN CZECHOSLOVAKIA |
| Dimensions | Approx. 12 in D × 7 in H (bowl only) |
| Condition | Very good vintage; minor wear; missing prism fringe |
| Electrical | Single socket; cloth wiring (rewire recommended) |
Why It Belongs in Your Collection
Brilliantly cut and elegantly proportioned, this pendant represents a fleeting era when postwar optimism met the enduring craftsmanship of Bohemian glass. Its geometric clarity suits both traditional and modern interiors, equally at home above a dining table, vanity, or entry. Restored with period Czech prisms, it becomes a statement of light, precision, and history.