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Handmade Christmas decorations from the Krkonoše Mountains have entered the UNESCO list

Handmade production of Christmas tree decorations from blown glass has been added to the UNESCO list of world intangible cultural heritage. The Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage confirmed the news on Thursday.  Poniklá is the only place in the world where this traditional pearl craft has been preserved from more than a century ago. In the present times, the blown beads are only produced by the Rautis glass-making company.
 

Rautis glass-making company was established in 1902.The method of blowing beads and making ornaments has not changed much since its beginning. The small family business, which employs about 20 people, offers over 20,000 designs, some dating from the beginning of the last century. The process itself from the start to the final product is long. First, the pearls must be blown out of glass tubes, then silvered, coloured, painted, cut and finally assembled to make the final product. Before one bead ornament goes to the store must pass at least through six pairs of hands. They are the last company in the world that has managed to use old technologies while continuously keeping production current and alive.

The company functions not only as a manufacturer of unique glass pieces, but also as a museum. The company allows visitors to see the entire production process and also offers the opportunity to make your own glass bead ornaments. More information on this exceptional manufacturing process and unique decorations can be found here.

The nomination was made under the auspices of the Museum of Bohemian Paradise in Turnov in cooperation with the Czech Commission for UNESCO, the National Institute of Folk Culture, the Ministry of Culture and the Liberec Region.

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Handmade Christmas decorations by the glass company Rautis