The Thun porcelain will be used to serve meals at the restaurant of the Czech National Pavilion at EXPO 2025
Czechia’s participation in the World Expo 2025 has established a partnership with Thun 1794, the largest and oldest Czech porcelain manufacturer. The porcelain of this traditional brand will showcase Czech craftsmanship and artistry in the restaurant of the Czech National Pavilion, where it will be used for serving meals. Thun 1794 is renowned for producing high-quality hard porcelain, valued worldwide for its durability, aesthetics, and practicality. The cooperation agreement was signed by the Commissioner General of the Czech participation, Ondřej Soška, and the director of Thun 1794, Vlastimil Argman.
Traditional Czech porcelain will be part of Czechia’s presentation at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Visitors to the Czech National Pavilion’s restaurant will have the opportunity to enjoy Czech cuisine served on porcelain plates from the country’s largest porcelain manufacturer. Thun 1794 will supply the pavilion’s restaurant with 2,800 pieces of tableware, meeting the expected demand of up to 2,000 meal servings per day. The selection includes the traditional Bernadotte porcelain set, featuring a white glaze adorned with delicate blue floral patterns, as well as the ELLA collection— a new addition to Thun 1794’s portfolio, characterized by its timeless and minimalist white design.
"Our collaboration with the team at the Office of the Commissioner General ensures a professional presentation of our products within the Czech exhibition in Osaka. We believe that together, we will create an unforgettable experience for all visitors and demonstrate how inspiring the combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern gastronomy can be," says Thun 1794 CEO Vlastimil Argman. He adds: "Participating in the World Expo is a strategic step towards international growth and a unique opportunity to present Czech craftsmanship in a contemporary way to the Japanese audience. We hope to establish new business partnerships in this dynamically growing region."
Thun 1794 ranks among the oldest porcelain manufacturers in Europe, boasting a history of over 230 years. The company specializes in the production of hard porcelain fired at a temperature of 1405°C. All products are made exclusively from high-quality Czech raw materials and are distinguished by their exceptional durability, finesse, and characteristic white color— a result of precise manufacturing techniques. While respecting traditional craftsmanship, Thun 1794 continuously innovates its production processes to align with modern trends. The company collaborates with both Czech and international designers to create unique collections, some featuring artistic decorations and hand-painted elements that enhance their exclusivity. Thun porcelain is a symbol of Czech tradition and mastery, blending functionality with artistic value. Each porcelain piece is a work of art, bringing elegance to every home— whether adorning a festive table or elevating everyday moments of comfort.
"At the restaurant of the Czech National Pavilion, we will present typical Czech cuisine with Asian influences. Serving these dishes on traditional Czech porcelain by Thun will further support our effort to showcase the best of Czech cultural heritage in Japan. Thun porcelain graces dining tables at prestigious locations such as Prague Castle, Grandhotel Pupp, embassies, and luxury hotels worldwide. I look forward to seeing it adorn the Czech National Pavilion starting this April," says Ondřej Soška, Commissioner General of Czech participation at EXPO 2025.
About Thun 1794
Thun 1794 is the largest Czech porcelain manufacturer, with a legacy dating back to 1794. The company specializes in the production of high-quality hard porcelain, renowned for its durability, distinctive design, and practical use. Its product range includes a wide selection of tableware for households and the hospitality industry, a special cookware line, children’s porcelain, and custom-made pieces for major international chains. Thun 1794 seamlessly combines traditional craftsmanship with innovative technologies and contemporary design. The company is headquartered in Nová Role near Karlovy Vary, with a second branch in Lesov. Its annual production reaches 3,500 to 4,000 tons of porcelain, distributed through Thun Trade, based in Prague.
About the Czech Pavilion at EXPO 2025
In December 2022, after more than twenty years, the Office of the Commissioner General announced an open, anonymous architectural competition to design the National Pavilion for EXPO 2025. Thirty-eight studios have participated, and in March 2023 a jury of experts led by the world-renowned architect Eva Jiřičná selected the winning design: a glass spiral by Apropos Architects. The main structure of the building will be made of modern wood panels, while the façade will feature art glass, which has a centuries-old tradition in Czechia. The National Pavilion, which will be located on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay from April to October 2025, will provide a prestigious setting for Czech participation at EXPO 2025. The pavilion will house a permanent exhibition, a multifunctional auditorium, facilities for business meetings, restaurants, a CTP lounge, and a relaxation area overlooking the sea.
About the Czech participation at EXPO 2025
This will be the sixth time that Czechia has taken part in a world exhibition as an independent state. Ondřej Soška, who won the Ministry of Foreign Affairs selection process with his concept and theme "Talent and Creativity for Life", has been serving as Commissioner General since September 2022. Czechia aims to showcase not only what the Japanese already know and admire, such as Czech glass and classical music, but above all Czech innovations, nanotechnologies, promising start-ups and talent from the regions.