The carp has made it to the plate. Limited edition porcelain combines Masker's illustration and Michal Froňek's design
The iconic plate with a diameter of 40 centimeters combines Masker's illustration with Froněk's design. Inspired by the act of fishing itself, Masker created the first motif – a school of carp – back in 2023. The design featured a school of carp with energetic, almost indignant expressions, explains the author of the work.
The motif for 2024 is in the same design and colour scheme but features a different composition. "There's only one carp this time, and I've twisted its fin. This also makes it fit beautifully on the circular plate," explains Masker. This is the first time his motif will be "served” on porcelain.
He worked with acrylic paints on the painting of the carp – using a brush for the lines and the dots, while employing the airbrush technique for the larger areas. Masker’s collaboration with Ambiente has been ongoing since 2011. "Working with Tomáš Karpíšek is great; he always has a clear vision of what he wants and how he wants it. At the same time, he trusts the artist he chooses and doesn’t feel the need to interfere too much," says Masker, adding that he certainly wouldn’t be opposed to future collaborations.
As soon as the painting was finished, Michal Froněk from the Olgoj Chorchoj studio began working on the plate design."I see it as a service to the artwork itself, so I focused on finding the best way to transfer it onto the porcelain. The carp should take center stage, which is why I opted for the simplest and least distracting solution – a plain white plate," Froněk explains. He adds that he also ensured the colors remained as true to the original painting as possible.
However, this is not an ordinary dinner plate but a decorative piece featuring the carp motif. "The drawing wouldn’t feel special on a regular plate. I wanted to restore the decorative function that plates once had – like in the Netherlands, where walls were adorned with blue-and-white patterned plates in the 17th century. Plates are rarely seen as decoration these days, which is precisely why I wanted to give this one a dose of monumentality so that it truly stands out in any interior," Froněk explains, detailing his choice of an unusual size.
The manufacturing process was meticulous, with Matěj Polách playing a major role. He had to tackle several technological challenges during production. "Carlsbad porcelain didn’t behave as we had expected. In the end, I opted for French porcelain, which I’m more familiar with, and from that moment on, everything went smoothly," he explains. He began working on the plaster mold for the plate in August 2024.
The mold plays a key role – liquid porcelain paste (known as casting slip) is poured into it, with the plaster absorbing the water and allowing the desired shape and strength of the body to form. After drying, the plate is removed, refined, dried thoroughly, and then sent to the kiln for firing.
Polách transferred Masker’s carp illustration onto the plate using a special method, which he likens to a temporary tattoo. "I cut out the motif, soaked it, transferred it onto the plate, and smoothed out the air bubbles. During the firing process, the transfer foil burns off, leaving only the clean carp motif on the porcelain," he explains the process.
Exclusive Edition
The limited edition includes only 13 pieces. "Each plate is unique. Producing such a piece is demanding and takes a lot of time, which is why the number is limited," says Polách. In addition to its exceptional design and artistic value, each piece is the result of meticulous craftsmanship, involving several phases of quality control.
The plates are collectible items but with proper care, they can also be used for serving food. "I recommend hand washing and gentle handling to maintain the plate's original appearance," Polách adds.
The collaboration between Michal Froněk and Matěj Polách has brought to life a unique porcelain object that combines an exclusive design with traditional craftsmanship. The plate can be purchased at Klub Ambiente in Burzovní Palác.
How were the plates made?
Michal Froněk
Renowned designer and educator, co-founder of the Olgoj Chorchoj design studio. He has been working with Ambiente for a long time, collaborating for example on the interiors of the Marie B, La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise and Pult restaurants, as well as on the design of the new bar in the Lokáls.
Matěj Polách
A graduate of the Ceramic and Porcelain Studio at UMPRUM (Academy of Art, Architecture, and Design in Prague) and a master at its ceramic workshop. After graduating, he worked as a designer and craftsman at the G. Benedikt porcelain factory in Karlovy Vary for four years. He then returned to Prague, where he teaches and focuses on his own projects. He draws most of his inspiration from the way objects interact to create harmonious whole compositions.
Jakub Matuška aka Masker
An artist and street art creator whose works can be seen, for example, in Brasileiro Slovanský dům or at Dva Kohouti. He classifies his work within the post-analog style and primarily uses airbrush techniques, leaving traces from the beginning of the process in the artwork. His creations are characterized by figurative depictions in which objects simultaneously experience two different, often opposing states. He has created the carp illustrations for Ambiente for the past two years.
