Jan Mergl
The Machine – Propeller of Handicraft? The Introduction of Machines in the Branches of Handicraft
The conflict between handicraft production on the one hand and machine production
and industry brought various results in 19th century. The influence of machine
application, as evidenced by a comparison of glass making and china production in
the Bohemian Lands was manifested differently in different fields. The production
of decorative glass, building on the traditions of handicraft, was affected by the
machine potential and power only marginally and retained its handicraft values. In
china production, on the other hand, the machine played an important role and
enabled the development of serial and mass production. Its usage however at the same
time reduced the importance of the craft skills and talents needed earlier and relegated
the worker to the role of machine operator. This led to a clear artistic stagnation of
the production.
Key words: Bohemian Lands, 19th century, cultural history, glass, china, factory
production
design by Bedřich Vémola
