A rich history. A brilliant tradition…
THE HISTORY OF SLAVIA CRYSTAL
A Legacy of Crystal. A Heritage of Craftsmanship.
The story of SLAVIA CRYSTAL is rooted in centuries of European glassmaking tradition.
It is said that glass production in the region of present-day Slovakia began as early as the 17th century, when Jesuit monks started producing glass tableware for use in churches. Blessed with abundant natural resources, the mountainous regions of Slovakia gradually became renowned as important centers of European glassmaking.
During the era of former Czechoslovakia, much of the exquisite glass engraving and cutting that brought Bohemian Crystal worldwide recognition was carried out by highly skilled craftsmen in these Slovak mountain regions.
Their extraordinary craftsmanship was held in such esteem that the tradition was associated with the elegance of the Austro-Hungarian era and the legacy of Empress Maria Theresa — a heritage of crystal artistry that came to be regarded as one of Slovakia's cultural treasures.
From Bohemian Crystal to a New Identity
During the Czechoslovak era, glass factories were nationalized, and their products were exported throughout the world under the celebrated name “Bohemian Crystal.”
However, following the peaceful dissolution of Czechoslovakia into the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic in 1993, Slovak crystal manufacturers could no longer use the historic Bohemian name in the same way.
The dramatic changes that followed forced many long-established factories to close, placing generations of traditional glassmaking and engraving techniques at risk of disappearing.
It was during this period that MARDAK INTERNATIONAL encountered a group of Slovak craftsmen who shared a powerful determination:
To preserve Slovakia's extraordinary engraving and crystal-cutting heritage for future generations, a new and original product had to be created.
This shared vision became the beginning of SLAVIA CRYSTAL.
The Birth of SLAVIA CRYSTAL
In 2010, Slovak master craftsmen and MARDAK INTERNATIONAL began the joint development of the first product to bear the SLAVIA CRYSTAL name:
The Crystal Washbasin.
Creating a washbasin from genuine crystal while preserving the brilliance, clarity, strength and artistry of traditional European crystal craftsmanship presented an entirely new challenge.
Over the course of five years, countless trials, refinements and technical developments were undertaken.
The result was an extraordinary crystal washbasin featuring Decor 160, one of Slovakia's most prestigious traditional cutting patterns.
It was named VICTORIA.
VICTORIA became the symbolic first masterpiece of SLAVIA CRYSTAL — an expression of generations of craftsmanship transformed into a completely new form of contemporary interior design.
Eventually, a collection of ten distinctive models was developed, together with coordinating accessories created specifically to complement the crystal washbasins.
From Slovakia to the World
In July 2015, SLAVIA CRYSTAL made its European debut.
Since then, its crystal washbasins have been selected for prestigious interiors, including luxury hotel suites and exceptional private residences.
The graceful brilliance of every piece carries something that cannot be created by machinery alone — the pride, experience and spirit of the Slovak craftsmen who continue this remarkable tradition.
Each reflection of light reveals the human hand behind the crystal.
Each engraving tells a story that has been passed from one generation to the next.
The Return of the Bohemian Heritage
A new chapter began in November 2018, when the production process for selected crystal forms was expanded to include furnace production in the Czech Republic.
By bringing together Czech glassmaking heritage and Slovak engraving craftsmanship, SLAVIA CRYSTAL became deeply connected once again with the historic world of Bohemian crystal.
Today, the brand represents a rare collaboration between two of Europe's most important crystal-making traditions, enhanced by the uncompromising standards of Japanese quality management.
Inspired by the Cultural Heritage of Slovakia
The homeland of SLAVIA CRYSTAL is also known for its remarkable cultural traditions.
For generations, distinctive ornamental patterns have decorated traditional Slovak costumes, homes and everyday objects throughout the region. These unique designs remain an important part of Slovakia's cultural heritage.
Their significance was celebrated internationally when traditional Slovak motifs inspired elements of the uniforms worn by the Slovak Olympic Team at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Surrounded by green mountains and peaceful villages, the region retains the atmosphere and beauty of old Europe — a landscape where craftsmanship, culture and everyday life have remained closely connected for centuries.
Elements inspired by these traditional motifs can also be discovered in the border engravings of SLAVIA CRYSTAL collections such as VICTORIA and ELIZABETH.
They are subtle details, yet they connect every piece to the place where its story began.
European Craftsmanship. Japanese Quality.
Every SLAVIA CRYSTAL product is manufactured in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where generations of glassmaking knowledge continue to be preserved by highly skilled craftsmen.
Production is carried out under rigorous quality control standards supervised in cooperation with our Japanese organization, allowing us to maintain exceptional consistency and quality from production through final inspection.
Our crystal washbasins are developed to comply with applicable European standards and Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS), combining exceptional beauty with the reliability required for contemporary architectural and interior applications.
Crafted in Europe. Perfected through Japanese Quality.
SLAVIA CRYSTAL is more than a collection of crystal products.
It is the continuation of a centuries-old European tradition.
It is the preservation of craftsmanship that might otherwise have disappeared.
And it is the transformation of that heritage into something entirely new.
Crystal shaped by history.
Engraved by master craftsmen.
Refined through Japanese quality.
Created for extraordinary interiors around the world.
Discover the timeless brilliance of SLAVIA CRYSTAL — where European heritage, Slovak craftsmanship and contemporary luxury become one.
Cultural heritage folk architecture in Cicmany.