JOSEPH MRAZEK  Bowl #681 C Czech Peasant Art Industry 1923-1930 Czechoslovakia
The Colorful Pottery Of Joseph Mrazek
May 29, 2012
Understanding the background of Joseph Mrazek, and the influence of the country of his birth, helps to explain how his ceramic creations have held so many enthralled with the vibrant colors and designs – then and now.
Joseph Mrazek was born in Podebrady, Bohemia in 1889.
At a very young age he worked as an apprentice artist, before leaving to live in America.
At that time there were two major artistic influences in that area. Art Nouveau was the artistic movement found mostly in the large cities of Bohemia while Peasant Art could be found in the towns and villages. It was the Peasant Art of his homeland that captured Joseph Mrazek’s creative heart.
Peasant Art was prevalent in architecture, paintings on fireplaces, window sills, kitchen borders, folk art clothing, ceramics, and furniture design.
It’s been said that the Slovac is a born colorist who enlivens and beautifies even the humblest cottage, the most ordinary utensils, even the coarsest costume, with an innate sense of color harmony.
This is the seed of creativity that was planted in Joseph Mrazek that he took with him when he migrated to America to escape being drafted by the Austrian/German military.
Joseph continued his artistic education at the St. Louis Academy of Arts. Upon graduation he set out for New York City to find employment as an artist.
He found work with Hester Decorating Company. Being based in New York City was very important to the next step Mrazek would take.
At Christmas time in 1917, Macy’s department store ran an advertisement for a do-it-yourself ceramic artist kit, where a person could create their own pottery and Macy’s would fire the creation in their ovens to create a finished product. The kit consisted of paints, unpainted pottery or porcelain, camel hair brushes and thinner, with a guide on how to decorate using color.
Joseph Mrazek could not resist, he was always intrigued by the application of paint and color on pottery. He ended up buying a few more kits and experimenting with colors, changes of colors after firing, intensity of colors, and translucency.
His friends and neighbors were so impressed with the pottery he created that they asked to buy it, and an idea formed in the mind of Joseph Mrazek. He decided to go back to Macy’s and buy a kiln so that he could fire the pottery himself. He went to Delancy Street and bought a large supply of open stock pieces to decorate. When it was obvious to him that this was a profitable venture, Mrazek started the Czecho Peasant Art Company from his apartment in New York City.
Condition:
This is a gorgeous piece of Czechoslovakia pottery made by Joseph Mrazek Czech Peasant Art Industry.  It dates to around 1920-1930.  It is a vibrant, colorful folk art piece of pottery that captures the spirit of the true Czech.  This bowl is bright yellow with orange daisies and blue tulips.  It measures 7.75″ in diameter and 2.25″ tall.  It weighs 1 lb 7 oz.  This almost antique is in excellent condition.  It has no chips or cracks or crazing.  There are minor signs of wear but nothing notable.  It is a stunning, folk art, boho and beautiful piece of pottery.  Please see photos for specifics on the condition of this vibrant bowl.
Measurements:
7.75″ diameter x 2.25″ tall
Weighs 1 lb 7 oz
***All measurements are approximate***
International Buyers – Please Note:
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost.  These charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
Please check with your country’s customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to bidding or buying.