Bohemian Code: Stories in Material and Form

Brussels, March 2025 – The 8th edition of COLLECTIBLE BRUSSELS, the premier international fair dedicated to 21st-century collectible design, returned to the Vanderborght Building from March 13 to 16, 2025. This year, the Czech Republic took center stage on the 5th floor, showcasing a curated presentation of visionary artists and designers redefining the intersection of art, design, heritage, and modernity.

The Czech national participation was led by our foreign office of Czech Trade Promotion Agency / CzechTrade Belgium and Luxembourg, with support from Czech Centre Brussels, the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic, the Permanent Representation of the Czech Republic to the EU, the Embassy of the Czech Republic to the Kingdom of Belgium, and the Representation of the Pilsen Region to the EU. The selection of exhibitors reflected the country’s evolving yet deeply rooted design traditions.

Czech national exhibitors selection brought together range of designers representing the wide range of Czech artdesign scene, each contributing a unique narrative to contemporary collectible design. The selection included works in traditional Czech materials glass and porcelain as well as iconic czechoslovak furniture designers.

●       Elis Monsport

Elis Monsport is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in glass engraving and sculptural lighting. Her work masterfully combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary artistic storytelling, often drawing inspiration from nature’s textures and landscapes.

At COLLECTIBLE 2025, she presented her Botanico Series, a mesmerizing transformation of mirrors, vases, and lighting into intricate visual stories. Inspired by the organic beauty of nature, her hand-engraved pieces evoke depth and fluidity, seamlessly blending heritage craftsmanship with modern artistic expression.

●       Johan Pertl

Johan Pertl is a Czech designer recognized for his pioneering approach to glasswork, seamlessly merging sustainability with artistic craftsmanship. His work features experimental melting techniques that reduce energy consumption while allowing natural forces to shape each piece organically.

At COLLECTIBLE 2025, he presented FLOW, an awe-inspiring exploration of movement, light, and form, crafted through sustainable glass techniques that minimize energy use. His organic sculptural works challenge traditional glassmaking, balancing environmental responsibility with poetic aesthetics.

●       Nanovo

Nanovo is a design company dedicated to restoring and reinterpreting mid-20th-century Czech design. It breathes new life into historical pieces while preserving their authentic craftsmanship, offering a seamless fusion of vintage aesthetics and contemporary usability.

At COLLECTIBLE 2025, Nanovo presented a selection of iconic Czech designs, including: ÚLUV Lamp – A carefully reproduced version of a classic Czechoslovak lamp retaining its original craftsmanship. JAWA Light Object – A revival of a 1961 ceiling chandelier, originally crafted by JAWA factory workers, now updated with modern LED technology. T2407 Armchair – A reimagined Czech armchair that elegantly integrates mid-century aesthetics with contemporary interiors.

●       Qubus & Jakub Berdych Karpelis

Jakub Berdych Karpelis, is a conceptual artist, sculptor, designer and founder of Qubus Design Studio which stands for bold and iconic independent Czech design brands est. in 2002. Qubus glass and porcelain production, hanmade in Bohemia, is blending irony, challenging conventional design norms and creates thought-provoking objects.

At COLLECTIBLE 2025 Qubus & Jakub Berdych Karpelis presented a curated selection of works, bridging the gap between fine art and applled design. The debut of Vanitas will be accompanied by single artworks, light objects, ready mades and luxury home decor series that further explore the medium and artistry of traditional media such as glass and porcelain

With its bold mix of contemporary and heritage-driven approaches, the Czech presentation at COLLECTIBLE 2025 offered a fresh perspective on Czech collectible design and its journey into the hands of art collectors, design enthusiasts, and institutions worldwide. This exhibition extended the Czech legacy of excellence in glass, porcelain, and furniture design, demonstrating the country’s historical contributions and their influence on modern collectible design.