Reviving the Old Czech Bastarda: From Script to Stamps

When History Meets Modern Technology: From Gothic Script to Stamps

Some projects transcend the boundaries of individual fields, merging historical research with modern technologies. One such project is the work of Barbora Kramná, whose innovative typeface, inspired by the Old Czech Bastarda script from the Trojan Chronicle, won the prestigious National Award for Student Design Grand Prize and was nominated for the Czech Grand Design Award in the Discovery of the Year category.

This project doesn’t just breathe new life into an ancient script but also celebrates the heritage of the Pilsen printing house, where the original Bastarda was used. Let’s explore how history and modern technology came together to create something truly unique.

Reviving a Historical Typeface

Barbora Kramná’s project focused on a historical treasure—the Old Czech Bastarda script, which was used in the printing of the kronika Trojánská (The Trojan Chronicle), a 15th-century Czech book long thought to be the first-ever printed text in the Czech lands. This typeface was an early Gothic font, known as Bastarda, widely used in medieval European printing.

In her work, Kramná researched Gothic typography, early Czech prints, and the unique features of the Old Czech Bastarda. She delved into the origins of the Trojan Chronicle, comparing various Gothic scripts to reconstruct the old alphabet while adapting it for contemporary use. Through digitalization and manual reconstruction using a broad-nib pen, she brought this historic typeface into the modern design world, blending authenticity with legibility.

Barbora Kramná’s thesis was supervised by Professor Rostislav Vaněk, a highly respected and skilled Czech typographer, whose expert guidance was instrumental in the success of this project.

The Collaboration with Relyef

Our collaboration with Barbora Kramná brought her typographic research into the world of stamping. With her precise typeface in hand, we embarked on an exciting journey of converting the traditional script into 3D models. Using state-of-the-art 3D printing technology, we created custom stamps that allow ceramicists to imprint this historically inspired typography directly onto their clay projects.

The goal was to take the beauty of the Old Czech Bastarda and transform it into a tool that ceramicists could use to add intricate, historically inspired designs to their ceramics. By combining Barbora Kramná’s historical research with modern technology, we created a bridge between the past and present.

The Beauty of Old Czech Bastarda

The Old Czech Bastarda is distinct for its elongated strokes, decorative initials, and unique ligatures—features that set it apart from other Gothic scripts. While it has strong ties to Czech history, this script was part of a larger Gothic tradition that influenced typographic developments across Europe and beyond. It became a precursor to other Gothic scripts used in countries like Germany, and elements of its design can even be seen in early typefaces that later influenced printing in the Americas and other regions. The intricacy and elegance of this typeface demanded a precise approach to digital reconstruction. Thanks to the power of 3D printing, we ensured that every delicate curve and detail of the script was faithfully captured in the final stamps.

This precision is essential, as the stamps needed to retain the essence of the original font while being practical and easy to use in creative applications, specifically for ceramic work. The result is a set of stamps that not only preserve the historical integrity of the Old Czech Bastarda but also bring its beauty to ceramic artists' creations.

The Transformation: From Typeface to Tool

This collaboration showcases how an ancient typographic tradition can be reimagined in the digital age. The project transformed a traditional, historical typeface into a tangible creative tool for ceramicists. By turning the Old Czech Bastarda into stamps, we provided ceramicists with a means to incorporate a piece of history into their own work.

The stamps allow ceramicists to apply this beautiful script to their clay projects, bridging the gap between traditional typography and modern creative expression in ceramics. This project highlights the enduring relevance of historical design in contemporary art.

A Piece of History for Your Ceramics

We are thrilled to announce that the collection of stamps inspired by the Old Czech Bastarda script is now available in our online store. These stamps are the perfect way for ceramicists to add a touch of historical elegance to their creations.

By using these stamps, you can bring a piece of cultural heritage into your ceramic projects, connecting the past with the present. The revival of the Old Czech Bastarda not only preserves an important part of history but also invites new creative possibilities for experimentation. We are proud to be part of this connection between tradition and innovation.

Let us know how you plan to incorporate these unique stamps into your ceramic work or if you have any questions about the collection!

To learn more about Barbora Kramná’s work, visit her website, follow her on Instagram, or contact her via email at barakramna@gmail.com