The story behind the light
Design story
While Bohemian crystal is born out of four elements – wind, fire, water and earth – a dragon embodies the symbiosis of these four elements and ties them together in one noble and magnificent creature. A dragon also symbolically embodies the characteristics of various animals.
Where glassmaking meets metalworking
“We approached the limits of what is both technically and physically possible. Master glassmakers and metalsmiths brought the know-how of hundreds of years of craft tradition, while their work was supported by a high-tech design process throughout,” says Leon Jakimič, LASVIT´s president and founder.
Millions of crystals
An astounding 13 thousand stainless steel scales fitted with crystals were made to cover the dragon’s body, and we used over 2,5 million crystals to decorate the scales.
Millions of colors
Provided with RGBW LED chips, the crystals function as a giant screen that follows the shape of the dragon’s body. The light can thus travel through the dragon from head to tail and change its colors in myriad ways.
In a seismically active region
The sculpture’s installation required full integration into the building’s design, including adherence to strict building protocols, as Saipan lies within an active seismic zone.
From A to Z
It took more than three years of work for almost all of LASVIT’s departments to make this project happen, and hundreds of employees from Czech Republic worked together to bring it to its successful finish.
Mystical creature of the past
The largest lighting installation we have ever made hangs like a great jewel in the lobby of the Imperial Palace. It is a breath-taking result of the work of master glassmakers, metalworkers, artisans, and designers. It is our homage to the respected crafts which have a long tradition in Czechia, and is also a symbol of our deep respect for Chinese history.
