One month before Christmas, the traditional promotional campaign “Gift Croatian” was held on the ground floor of the Joker Shopping Centre in Split, organised by the Croatian Chamber of Economy – Split County Chamber. The purpose of this event is to showcase Croatian manufacturers and products bearing the quality labels “Original Croatian” and “Croatian Quality”, while also raising awareness of the importance of supporting and purchasing locally made products.
As proud holders of the Original Croatian label, we were honoured to participate in this event and present the work of Jakšić Gallery and our workshop, along with a selection of our original products crafted from Brač stone. Events such as this provide an excellent opportunity to introduce a wider audience to the values behind our creations – Croatian design, local production, hand craftsmanship, and the stone-working tradition that has been passed down through generations on the island of Brač.
During the presentation, we highlighted two product lines that successfully combine contemporary design with traditional stonemasonry skills – the modular stone candle holder and our stone flowers.
The modular candle holder is the result of an original design concept exploring the relationship between functionality and transformable form. It consists of several stone elements connected by metal components that allow it to be opened, closed, and arranged in different configurations. In its compact form, the candle holder appears minimalist and refined, while gradually opening it reveals new surfaces, additional candle positions, and an entirely different visual experience. In this way, a single object offers multiple possibilities of use while functioning both as a practical item and as a decorative design piece.
Particular interest among visitors was attracted by our stone flowers, one of the very first products created at Jakšić Gallery and, over time, one of our most recognisable designs. Each flower is handcrafted with exceptional attention to detail. Every petal is individually cut and polished before being carefully assembled and attached to a stone base. Because we use different varieties of Brač stone, each flower carries a unique combination of textures, colours, and natural patterns. For this reason, they can be seen as miniature collections showcasing the geological richness of the island of Brač.
The “Gift Croatian” campaign once again demonstrated the importance of supporting local manufacturers and choosing products made in Croatia. Initiatives such as “Buy Croatian” and “Gift Croatian” play an important role in promoting Croatian production, Croatian design, and local entrepreneurship. By purchasing domestic products, consumers support not only individual manufacturers but also the preservation of knowledge, tradition, jobs, and the identity of local communities.
We are especially pleased that visitors had the opportunity to discover products created on the island of Brač and crafted from one of Croatia’s most recognisable natural materials – Brač stone. These products are not merely souvenirs or decorative objects; they are carriers of a story about Croatian tradition, creativity, and quality.
We would like to thank the Croatian Chamber of Economy for the invitation and for organising this valuable event. We firmly believe that initiatives such as “Buy Croatian” and “Gift Croatian” will continue to encourage the development of Croatian manufacturing while connecting local producers with customers who appreciate the value of authentic Croatian products.
