Between Petal and Wing
Zetas Garden introduces a new collaboration with flower artist Christian Ravnbak.
Inspired by both the striking and the quietly observant details of the garden, this unique collection celebrates the delicate craftsmanship behind glass ornaments designed by Ravnbak – from the dewdrop and the grape cluster to the seed pod, the butterfly, the spider, the grasshopper and the watering can. Each ornament is crafted as a collectible object to be cherished today and passed on through generations.
"What I find especially interesting is how the world of gardens and flowers is so deeply connected to time. Everything has a lifespan you can’t quite control; it blooms, it fades, and it follows the rhythm of the seasons. Capturing these fleeting shapes and moments and transforming them into something lasting, something that doesn’t disappear, feels meaningful to me."
THE COLLECTION – BETWEEN PETAL AND WING
In nature, some things claim all the attention while others quietly observe. The petals and the thistles. The butterflies and the seed pods. Some captivate with their obvious beauty, while others exist silently in the background, just as remarkable, but often overlooked. This balance has inspired Christian Ravnbak to create a collection that honours both the familiar and the forgotten wonders of the garden.
THE STORY
The story behind the collection begins in Vienna, where Christian often visited an iconic flea market with his father and sister. Every time, they sought out the same vendor, the man with a small booth filled exclusively with old Czech glass decorations, the traditional Gablonzer ornaments. It was there, among these carefully crafted objects, that Christian’s fascination began to take shape and ultimately laid the foundation for the collaboration we present today.
"For me, this collection is about highlighting the details that often fall into the background, and the contrast between the subtle and the grand. By working with clear forms and characteristic expressions, I want each ornament to stand on its own. They are small objects, but they hold a presence that I believe many can relate to. The goal has been to create something honest, made with deep respect for the craftsmanship behind it."
THE CRAFT
In Poniklá, Czech Republic, each ornament is produced using a unique method in which small glass beads are blown, silvered, coloured and cut before being threaded together by hand into their final form. The result is a shimmering, detailed decoration that carries true craftsmanship.
THE PROCESS
The tradition dates back to 1902 and is recognised today by UNESCO for preserving this rare and intricate artisanal technique. Every step, from glassblowing to painting, is still performed by hand, a testament to patience and precision passed down through generations.
"What makes this place so special is that it is a small factory in the Czech Republic, located in what is known as the Crystal Valley. The area is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and long-standing expertise in glassmaking."
"A garden has a lifespan you can’t truly control. It blooms, it fades and it follows the rhythm of the seasons. Capturing these fleeting forms and moments and turning them into something lasting, something that doesn’t simply disappear, feels very meaningful to me. These pieces we’ve created can stay with you, just as they will stay with me, for many years. And I’ll do my best to pass them on to someone who appreciates them as much as I do. I hope others feel the same."
CHRISTIAN RAVNBAK
Christian was born and raised in Denmark. He has worked with flowers since the age of sixteen, creating floral arrangements for restaurants, events and fashion houses before joining Zetas Garden in Sweden, where he continues to explore the meeting point between flowers, cultivation, craftsmanship and design.
