Role Židů v dějinách sklářství v českých zemí
The role of Jews in the history of glassmaking in the Czech lands

Author(s): Jitka Lněničková
Subject(s): Jewish studies, Economic history, Ethnohistory, Modern Age, Recent History (1900 till today)
Published by: Židovské Muzeum v Praze
Keywords: Jewish merchants; Prague; Thirty Years' War; potash trade; glass factories; aryanization;
Summary/Abstract: The role of Jews in the history of Czech glassmaking spans from the Middle Ages to World War II. Initially, Jewish merchants likely imported high-quality glass from the Mediterranean. By the 16th century, Jews in Prague were involved in glass trading and possibly glassmaking. During the Thirty Years' War, Jewish participation in glassmaking became more evident, with records of Jewish glaziers and glass traders. The 18th century saw Jewish merchants dominating the potash trade, essential for glass production. By the 19th century, Jewish entrepreneurs owned significant glass factories, producing utilitarian and luxury glass. Despite facing antisemitism and economic challenges, Jewish contributions to the glass industry were substantial. The Nazi occupation led to the aryanization of Jewish-owned glass businesses, and many did not return to their original owners post-war. The history of Jewish involvement in Czech glassmaking reflects their resilience and adaptability in a challenging socio-economic landscape.

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