Hobnail Decor

While the term "Hobnail" was coined by American artist Frank L. Fenton, its ancestors date back to the 14th-century Gothic era. During this period, Bohemian artisans began decorating goblets with raised plastic "pearls" or "warts."

In an age before the fork was common (invented in the 16th century), these bumps served a vital purpose: they provided a secure grip even when hands were greasy from feasting. The concept likely travelled from Palestine; it is believed that Crusaders encountered similar glassware in the Holy Land and brought the style back to Bohemia, where it quickly spread through the tight-knit glassmaking guilds.

Source: Vondruška, V. (2002). Glassmaking. Prague: Grada.

The Birth of the Hobnail Jug

The KLIMCHI jugs we adore today first emerged from our family glassworks in Kamenický Šenov during the 20th century. Our artisans have maintained the same traditional methods for over 100 years.

The Jílek Glassworks, where the majority of KLIMCHI pieces are born, was founded in 1905. It remains one of the oldest continuously operating glassworks in the Czech Republic, world-renowned for its mastery of coloured glass and relief textures.

Every piece of Hobnail glass passes through dozens of skilled hands. Starting as molten glass, it is mouth-blown into metal moulds to create those iconic spikes. However, the delicate pouring lip and the handle are always shaped entirely by hand, making every item a unique work of art.

KLIMCHI & The Hobnail Legacy

When Lukáš Klimčák founded KLIMCHI in 2019, the Hobnail jug was our very first signature product. What began as a small selection of colours has evolved into a breathtaking palette of 30+ shades.

Under the vision of Creative Director and glass designer František Jungvirt, we are breathing new life into these historic archives. As František noted for Deník.cz:

"The glassworks has a rich history of optical decors. They blow glass into metal moulds that create these incredible indentations and textures. A single mould can cost over £3,500—this is a level of heritage and investment that few glassworks possess. I’m taking these 'dusty' historical moulds and reimagining them into contemporary silhouettes for the modern home."

From a humble beginning of just a few items, our collection has grown to 22 distinct products, including our latest addition: the FUGU Vase.