Czech Century-Old Lace Gets EU Geographical Indication Protection, a First for Crafts

(CNA Prague 9th) The traditional Czech handicraft 'Vamberk lace,' known for its exquisite and intricate openwork weaving, has recently obtained EU 'Protected Geographical Indication' (PGI) status. This makes it the first handicraft case in the Czech Republic to receive this qualification, highlighting the historical status of this century-old craft and providing official guarantees for the product's origin and quality.

Located in the town of Vamberk in the Orlické hory (Eagle Mountains) of the Hradec Králové Region in northeastern Czech Republic, the area is famous for lace making. Locals create complex 'bobbin lace' by crossing and twisting bobbins, a unique lace known as 'Vamberecká krajka' (Vamberk lace).

According to the Czech News Agency (ČTK), Dan Lechmann, spokesperson for the Hradec Králové Region government, stated that Vamberk lace has now been officially registered at the European level as a 'Protected Geographical Indication' (PGI). It is the first handicraft product in the Czech Republic to receive such protection.

Lechmann noted that people are more familiar with the protection of food and designation of origin, such as Czech Hořické trubičky, Pardubický perník, and Czech beer (České pivo). New EU regulations have extended this type of protection to handicrafts and related artisanal products.

Martina Rejzlová, an ethnologist at the Vamberk Lace Museum, said: 'The Protected Geographical Indication can be used by all manufacturers located in and around the Orlické hory region who continue to pass on the unique local bobbin lace technique and maintain its special quality. This mark proves the product's uniqueness, quality, and guarantee of origin from that region.'

Jiří Štěpán, Deputy Governor of the Hradec Králové Region, stated that obtaining PGI protection further highlights the important status of Vamberk lace in Europe. 'Vamberk lace is not only a traditional craft closely linked to our region but can also be considered an art form,' he said.

According to city representatives, this craft requires a significant investment of time, patience, and a high degree of professional skill. While public interest in the manual skill of bobbin lace persists, making a living from lace production is becoming increasingly difficult.

The Vamberk region is considered the area in the Czech Republic where the tradition of lace making is most completely preserved. The local lace-making tradition dates back to the 17th century. From the second half of the 19th century, almost every household was engaged in lace production. The first Czech lace school was established in 1889, leading to the founding of the Vamberk Lace Museum in 1929.

The Vamberk Lace Museum documents the development of Czech lace craftsmanship, strengthens cooperation with other cultural institutions, and promotes the inclusion of Czech lace craftsmanship on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. (Editor: Chang Chih-hsuan) 1150609