Hand-blown Glass Cup by Ishii Koji (石井康治): Lapis Lazuli Blue Jellyfish #171

A masterpiece by the genius Ishii Koji (石井康治, 1946–1996), a visionary artist whose brilliance continues to resonate in the world of Japanese glass art long after the artist's untimely passing. This exceptional hand-blown glass cup features the artist's iconic "Kurage" (Jellyfish) motif, capturing a sense of ethereal beauty.

This piece is crafted in the deep, transparent Lapis Lazuli blue that became Ishii Koji’s signature, evoking the profound depths of the sea. Using Ishii's unique "Internal Inclusion Technique," fragments of gold leaf and vibrant colored glass particles are suspended within the glass itself. They appear like the mysterious glow of a jellyfish drifting gracefully through the darkness of the deep ocean, or the shimmering trails of its delicate tentacles. Depending on the angle of the light, the appearance of the piece changes constantly, transporting the viewer to a fantastical underwater realm.

The soft, warm silhouette unique to hand-blown glass, the heavy and stable base, and the meticulously finished rim all speak to the artist’s superior craftsmanship. As a one-of-a-kind, handmade creation, the glass itself radiates a high level of technical skill and artistic refinement.

This small "microcosm in the palm of your hand" is more than just a drinking vessel; it is a work of art. Imagine pouring a vintage whisky or aged spirit, matured over decades to a beautiful amber hue, into this masterpiece. As the liquid shimmers and intertwines with the dreamlike light of the glass, you will experience a supreme immersion of both sight and taste.

Passing away at the young age of 50, Ishii Koji left behind a limited body of work, making these pieces increasingly rare and highly sought after by collectors worldwide. This item includes its original dedicated box and an insert signed by the artist, serving as a guarantee of its authenticity. We confidently recommend this masterpiece to both serious collectors and those seeking an extraordinary glass for their finest spirits.

• Produced by: Ishii Glass Studio Co., Ltd.
• Artist: Ishii Koji (石井康治)
• Notable Activities: [1979] Work exhibited at "Japan New Face II" was purchased by Her Imperial Highness Princess Chichibu. [1985] Designed the silhouette bottle for Sanwa Shurui's "iichiko" (shochu brand) and received a special prize at the Japan Package Design Competition. [1985] Received a special prize at the "Seibu Crafts Grand Prize Exhibition." [1994] Held the "Symphony of Light and Wind: GLASS Ishii Koji" exhibition at the Narukawa Art Museum in Hakone.
• Major Collections: The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo; Aomori Museum of Art; Chiba Prefectural Museum of Art; Toyama Glass Art Museum; Hida Takayama Museum of Art; Narukawa Art Museum (Hakone), and more.
• Production Period: 1980s–1990s
• Condition: Excellent (No chips or cracks)
• Accessories: Original dedicated box and artist's leaflet included.
• Material: Hand-blown glass
• Dimensions: Approx. 11 cm in height, 7 cm in diameter.
• Note: Even if the items provided by our store are unused, they are from an older production period and are listed as antique/second-hand items. Please understand that items may show minor signs of aging before making your purchase.
• Please check the photos: We prepare every description with great care, but errors may still remain in the text. Please examine the photos carefully before purchasing. Where the photos and the description differ, please take the photos as the basis for the product information.