This Kin-aka Kiriko created by the master of contemporary glass art, Hisatoshi Iwata (1925–1994), is more than just a vessel; it is a gem of an art piece that captures the memories of light and heat. Together with his father, Toshichi Iwata, Hisatoshi elevated Japanese glass art from utility tools to pure art. The reason why his works continue to fascinate enthusiasts around the world lies in the overwhelming depth of their colors and the sculptural power that draws out the vitality of the material.
The soul of this piece is the supreme coloring technique known as Kin-aka, also called Gold Ruby Glass. This miraculous color is born only by mixing real pure gold into the glass raw material and repeatedly reheating it in a scorching furnace at temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius.
The blending ratio of pure gold is a secret of the artist and the studio, so it cannot be generalized, but it is typically said that the content of pure gold (gold chloride solution) is approximately 0.01% to 0.03% relative to the glass material. For instance, if a piece weighs about 300g, the amount of pure gold contained is calculated to be a mere 0.03g to 0.1g. However, the reason why Kin-aka glass works are so expensive is not simply due to the use of pure gold as a raw material. It lies in the background of having to overcome the strict barrier of an extremely unstable yield (success rate).
Even among works made of the same Kin-aka glass, inexpensive items tend to have a thinner red layer, which results in a weak contrast with the white parts when Kiriko cuts are applied. However, as seen in this piece, those with a thick, beautiful crimson layer and sharp cut edges possess a completely different sense of visual weight.
To achieve this vibrant red, even a slight difference in the process carries the constant risk of wasting expensive gold, and the extreme tension during the production process forms the foundation of this work's value. In particular, the process of reheating the once-molded glass to the appropriate temperature to dramatically develop the color of the gold particles is extremely difficult, even for a master with great experience. Even a slight temperature change causes the color to become cloudy, and failure would result in the piece becoming nothing more than extremely high-cost waste material.
Nevertheless, he pursued a deep dignity and transparency akin to a ruby—a quality that can never be reached with copper-red made from cheaper copper—and dared to invest precious metal. This uncompromising pride of the artist and the fact that it is a unique piece that survived the rigorous selection process determine its rarity. The deep yet transparent red that seems to burn from within is the very embodiment of the color of passion that Hisatoshi pursued throughout his life. The bold and precise Kiriko cuts on the surface brilliantly scrape away this Kin-aka layer, creating a vivid contrast with the transparent glass beneath and causing light to reflect diffusely like a gemstone.
The microscopic bubbles gently trapped within the glass and the soft texture unique to hand-blown glass are by no means defects. They are traces of breath—something lost in modern industrial products—where the artist gathered glass from the crucible and breathed soul into it all at once. Among antique collectors, these are called keshiki (scenery) and are highly valued as aesthetic points that give the work a unique depth.
With an exquisite size of approximately 7.8 cm in diameter and 6.5 cm in height, it shows a perfect harmony as a rocks glass for pouring amber-colored whiskey. The liquid swaying through the Kin-aka Kiriko is the height of luxury, transforming the time spent quietly sipping at the end of the day into a supreme ritual.
The handwritten signature Hisatoshi (久利) on the bottom and the carefully preserved original box eloquently tell the story that this is an authentic work that has cleared Hisatoshi's strict aesthetic standards. Now, over 30 years after his passing, with no new works being created, acquiring such a well-conditioned posthumous work from his prime carries a special meaning that goes beyond mere ownership—it is the inheritance of culture. This is a masterpiece that shines brilliantly in the history of Japanese glass craft, embodying the madness and passion of 100 years ago that Antique Liquor 1926 continues to uphold.
- Produced by: Hisatoshi Iwata Glass Studio
- Artist: Hisatoshi Iwata
- Artist's Notable Activities: [1976] Received the Minister of Education Award at Nitten; [1982] Received the Japan Art Academy Prize. Production Period: Late 1970s to early 1990s (estimated) Condition: Very good (no chips or cracks)
- Accessories: Original box and wrapping cloth included
- Material: Hand-blown glass
- Dimensions: Approx. 7.8 cm in diameter, 6.5 cm in height
- Please Note①: Due to the presence of fine dust particles on the surface during photography, some images may appear to show air bubbles or scratches. Upon detailed inspection, there are no notable scratches, and internal air bubbles are extremely minimal. Please purchase with confidence.
- Please note②: Even if the products we offer are brand new and unused, they are from a very old production period and are listed as second-hand items. Please understand and confirm that the products may have damage due to aging before considering your purchase.
