1960s Niagara Bowl by František Zemek for Sklarna Mstisov, Czechoslovakia

A stunning vintage glass bowl from the Niagara Collection, designed by František Zemek in the 1960s and crafted by the renowned Mstisov Glassworks.

This impressive piece showcases a captivating blend of blue and emerald hues, masterfully combined to create striking depth and contrast. The organic, flowing form embodies the cascading waters of Niagara Falls, the inspiration behind the collection’s name.

The bowl’s sculptural shape and smooth, glossy finish reflect the refined artistry of Czechoslovakian mid-century glass design. An exceptional example of Zemek’s work and a true statement piece for any collection.

Condition: Excellent condition with no chips or scratches to the top of the piece. One light surface mark to the base consistent with age.

Dimensions: 42.5 cm W × 29 cm D × 11.5 cm H | Weight: 2.3 kg

Rare and unusual colourway makes this piece even more desirable and highly collectible.

Meet the Designer: František Zemek (1913–1960s)

František Zemek was one of Czechoslovakia’s most respected post-war glass designers, celebrated for his pioneering work in sculptural and architectural glass. After studying at the School of Applied Arts in Prague, Zemek worked with several leading Czech glassworks, including Mstisov, Moser, and Sklo Union, where his designs helped define the modern aesthetic of Czechoslovakian art glass in the 1950s and 1960s.

Known for his mastery of organic form and controlled colour layering, Zemek often drew inspiration from nature — flowing water, geological formations, and light refraction — to create pieces that balanced strength with fluidity. His Niagara series, designed for Sklarna Mstisov, remains one of his most iconic collections, embodying the dynamic movement and vivid hues that became hallmarks of Czech mid-century glass.

Zemek’s work has been exhibited internationally and continues to be sought after by collectors for its artistic innovation and timeless craftsmanship.

More About Sklarna Mstisov Glassworks (Czechoslovakia, 1940s–1990s)

Founded in the mid-20th century in Mstisov, near Teplice in northern Bohemia, Sklarna Mstisov was among the leading Czechoslovakian glassworks specialising in artistic and studio glass. During the 1950s and 1960s, the factory became renowned for its experimental techniques and for collaborating with prominent designers such as František Zemek, Vladislav Urban, and Miloslav Klinger.

Mstisov’s signature style combined bold colour transitions with fluid, free-form shapes, often using the Sommerso and controlled bubble techniques to achieve luminous, layered effects. These pieces exemplified the Czech glass movement’s reputation for technical precision and artistic flair, standing alongside contemporaries like Beranek, Chríbor, and Zelezný Brod.

Although production ceased following the restructuring of the Czech glass industry in the early 1990s, Sklarna Mstisov remains celebrated among collectors and museums worldwide for its contribution to mid-century European glass design.