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Logo and manual to be downloaded

On 29 July 2002 the Commissioner General Office for CR participation at the General World Exposition announced, in accordance with Act No. 199/1994 Sb. on the Placement of Public Orders, a tender for logo and company design. This public tender procedure was entered by 33 entities from throughout the Czech Republic.

Five applicants were selected for the final round of the tender procedure for the creation of a logo and company design of the participation of the Czech Republic at EXPO 2005 Aichi. On 14 October 2002 these applicants had the opportunity to present their graphic proposals in this round of the tender procedure.

The best presentation was given by the agency EURO RSCG, a.s., with which the Commissioner General Office for CR participation at the General World Exposition agreed co-operation for the final version of the logo and company design of the Czech participation at the General EXPO 2005 World's Exposition Aichi.

Interpretation of the proposed logo for Czech participation

The central motif is a stylised lime tree leaf. This motif, with its clean graphic representation, best corresponded to the theme of EXPO 2005 – the wisdom of nature, as well as being in harmony with the presentation of the Czech state.

In the Japanese environment the symbolism of plants plays a much greater role than we are used to in our "western" cultural environment and also offers a wide range of possible interpretations. It can certainly be said that the lime tree plays the same role in the Czech context as the stylised chrysanthemum flower (the symbol of the emperor’s family) does in the Japanese environment. Japanese culture has from time immemorial reflected natural events and interpersonal relationships tended to be depicted and interpreted with the help of natural symbols. For Japanese culture a stylised leaf or flower is not just a mere decorative element as flora is always connected with a specific deeper significance.

The symbol of the lime tree itself has a range of meanings. The lime is the national tree of the Czech Republic, is closely connected with the history of the Czech nation and is recognised as a symbol of power, strength and permanence.

Download: Expo manual [PDF 956 kB]

Johnny the Snail - official mascot of the Czech exposition at EXPO 2005 Aichi

Logo manual [PDF 1,8MB]