TACOMA, WA.- Museum of Glass presents Bohemian Boudoir, highlighting over 40 glass crystal perfume bottles and bedroom accessories, hand-crafted in the Bohemia region of Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic) in the 1920s and 1930s.

Czechoslovakia, considered to be one of the most important historic centers of glass production, was the home to over 600 companies creating glass items for the boudoir. Objects in the exhibition exemplify the creativity and technical prowess of Czech craftsmen. The industry was shattered by World War II and the related political and social upheaval in Czech society.

Often referred to as trinket or vanity sets, these detailed cut glass creations include items such as candle sticks, powder boxes, perfume bottles, atomizers, ring trays, soap dishes and covered jars. Czech perfume bottles were particularly popular in the United States during the Great Depression, as affordable symbols of femininity, style and status.

“These relics from a glamorous era are an amazing reminder of the dramatic effects of geo-political changes,” notes Katie Phelps, curatorial assistant at Museum of Glass and curator of Bohemian Boudoir. “With the recent fascination with 1920s popular culture such as the new version of “The Great Gatsby” and BBC’s “Downton Abbey”, these exquisite pieces serve as reminder of the quality of goods that rarely exists with today’s disposable consumer products.”

The Museum of Glass provides a dynamic learning environment to appreciate the medium of glass through creative experiences, collections and exhibitions. In addition to the Hot Shop Amphitheater where visitors can watch artists work, the facilities include galleries, outdoor exhibition areas, a theater, hands-on art studio, grand hall, café and store.