Jonas Prapuolenis (1900-1980) was a designer who combined modern furniture forms with Lithuanian spirit, deeply influenced by his time in France. Born into a peasant family, he inherited his artistic skills from his father, a carpenter, and his mother, a weaver. After studying at the Kaunas School of Art, he moved to Paris, where his exposure to French Art Deco greatly shaped his work.

Influenced by Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, Prapuolenis blended French elegance with Lithuanian folk motifs, resulting in innovative furniture designs that were celebrated both for their modernity and national character. Prapuolenis' work gained international recognition when he won a gold medal for a Lithuanian living room set and a silver medal for parquet at the 1937 World Exhibition in Paris, the city that had shaped his style. His work was known for its modern yet national character, with over 120 furniture sets to his name.

Today, his works are rare and highly prized. His legacy is preserved in various Lithuanian museums and private collections, as well as in the original Jonas Prapuolenis studio in Kaunas, which is still maintained by his son, Bangutis Prapuolenis. The book "Jonas Prapuolenis: Studio" offers a glimpse into his life through photographs of the original and unaltered studio, which testify to his lasting influence.

You can buy the book here: https://after8books.com/jonas-prapuolenis-studija.html