The Bohemian-born Johann Zech was called by Empress Catherine the Great to come to Russia and St. Petersburg to establish his workshop at the end of the 18th century. He was frequently employed by the Russian court for which he made many chandeliers. Johann Zech’s chandeliers were not only for providing light, his unique technique of creating a light construction with strong colours also made his chandeliers much admired and regarded as works of art.