Adolf Matura (1921–1979) was active across several glass-making disciplines; he is known for his cut and engraved glass as well as his designs for pressed glass, though his portfolio also includes a set of cups and a teapot made of heat-resistant glass. Early in his career, he focused on designing tableware and decorative glass pieces created through blowing and cutting techniques. During the 1960s, he collaborated with the Moser glassworks, for which he produced numerous designs. From the mid-1960s onward, the primary focus of Matura’s creative work shifted toward pressed glass—a medium to which he remained dedicated for the rest of his life.

The work of glass artist Adolf Matura demonstrates that even a simple drinking glass can be a small work of art. He was awarded a gold medal at the 1960 Milan Triennale for his timeless lemonade set—comprising a carafe and glasses—which drew inspiration from Finnish design. Over the course of his career, Matura’s practice evolved from artisanal craft and blown or cut glass toward pressed glass, which became the central focus of his output. Even in his mass-produced designs, Matura’s distinctive signature style and emotional resonance remain clearly evident. The vessels he designed are characterized by their functionality, a deep respect for manufacturing technologies, and a high level of aesthetic quality. A highly distinctive category within Matura’s body of work consists of unique figural motifs, which he applied to vases and jars featuring stylized faces. Some of these strongly evoke an inspiration from primitive art; rather than functional objects, they resemble sculptural artworks. The *Praha* (Prague) tableware and drinkware set—which won several awards and features iconic goblets—became highly popular. With its ornamental relief decoration, this multi-piece set reflects the wave of "decorativism" that emerged in the applied arts in the early 1970s. Another of Matura’s legendary pieces is a kettle from the 1970s, manufactured at the Kavalier glassworks using *Simax* heat-resistant glass. Still produced and sold today—and holding a place of honor in many households—this kettle became a successful export product.

Barbora Kovářová