A RT Ě L L A U N CHES NEW FLY FUSION GILDED M OTIF
P R A G U E , C Z E C H R E P U B L I C — While all that glitters may not be gold, when it comes to creating an aura of
refined elegance, there is simply no substitute for the luminous luster of the real thing. And when it comes to
creating the finest handmade Bohemian glassware, ARTĚL – the globally renowned producer of luxury
crystal couture – is the gold standard.
This winter, ARTĚL is ‘going for the gold’ with the release of Fly Fusion Gilded – a newly updated version of
its immensely popular Fly Fusion motif that utilizes a highly unusual production technique, along with a
generous helping of genuine 24-carat gold.
First launched in 1998, Fly Fusion was one of ARTĚL’s first design motifs and has been a perennial bestseller
ever since. Inspired by botanical drawings from the 18th century, it depicts a fluttering array of butterflies,
dragonflies, and other winged creatures, all meticulously rendered in the exquisitely detailed manner for
which ARTĚL is known. Until now, it was available in two distinct versions, each using a different production
technique – engraving or hand-painting.
The new Fly Fusion Gilded version goes beyond these two techniques, employing a painstaking and highly
unusual “old world” production method – developed in the early 1800s in northern Czech and used by only a
small handful of contemporary artisans – to achieve startlingly beautiful results. First, each mouth-blown
piece is stained by coating it with silver ions, which produces a rich, golden-hued ochre color. Next, the design
motif is delicately hand engraved into the glass surface. Finally, each individual insect is hand-gilded with
24-carat gold for a stunning effect that combines the tactile sensation of engraving with the understated
luxuriousness of gold. The resulting glassware has a classic, vintage feel that is simply unlike anything
currently on the market and sure to complement a wide range of décors.
While Fly Fusion Gilded is currently the only motif using this new production method that is being offered by
ARTĚL, company founder / director Karen Feldman has also announced that the technique can be employed
to produce a range of other ARTĚL designs upon request.
“The combination of staining, engraving, and gilding is just so lovely,” says Feldman, “and I’m so pleased to
be restoring the use of this nearly-forgotten technique to the repertoire of traditional production methods
used by our team of artisans. When selecting a motif to try it with, the intricate detail of Fly Fusion made it
an obvious choice. I’m certain that this new version of an old favorite will be a big hit with old and new
ARTĚL fans alike.”
Established in 1998 by American designer and entrepreneur Karen Feldman, ARTĚL specializes in
handcrafted, functional crystal glassware of high design. The company takes its name from an early-20thcentury collective of Czech artisans whose dedication to preserving the traditional methods of
handcraftsmanship led them to reject industrial production techniques. ARTĚL carries on the spirit of these
artisans and their commitment to producing – entirely by hand – lasting objects of impeccable quality, design,
and functionality. ARTĚL’s innovative product line can be found on the shelves of Asprey, Paul Smith and
Christian Dior, among other exclusive retailers.
C ONTACT
[email protected]
prague tel +420 271 732 161
P R AG U E
164 Vinohradská • 130 00 Prague 3 • Czech Republic
www.artelglass.com