Hisatoshi Iwata (1925-1994) was a pioneer who elevated modern Japanese glass craft to the realm of fine art. As a recipient of the Japan Art Academy Award in 1982, he is considered one of the most distinguished glass artists of the Showa period. Building upon the traditions of Iwata Koge Glass, founded by his father Toshichi Iwata, he pursued a refined aesthetic that has garnered significant international acclaim. His works are held in prestigious global collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Corning Museum of Glass.
This piece features a distinctive striped design known as "Jobun," where opaque milky white glass and colorless transparent glass alternate in layers. This intricate spiral pattern is created using advanced hand-blowing techniques, where a heated mass of glass is twisted instantaneously while being blown and shaped. The minimalist design, devoid of all color and composed solely of white and transparent tones, highlights Hisatoshi Iwata's exceptional technical skill and the intrinsic beauty of glass as a medium.
Our store proposes this uniquely shaped and stable vessel as a special sake cup for enjoying Japanese whiskey or long-aged vintage sake. Its palm-sized dimensions and the substantial weight characteristic of his work provide excellent practicality as a functional vessel. When amber-colored whiskey is poured into this vessel, the transparent striped sections act like lenses, brilliantly transmitting the vibrant color of the liquid to the exterior.
The visual mechanism where the opaque white lines and the amber color of the spirit appear alternately—thereby completing the vessel's design—is the pinnacle of calculated sculptural beauty. The amber glow transmitted through the glass changes with the angle of light, offering a luxurious experience that merges traditional Jobun patterns with contemporary whiskey culture. Relying not on ornate decoration but on the maximization of light, shadow, and the colors of the liquid, this piece is a unique presence that enriches a sophisticated lifestyle.
Manufacturer: Iwata Hisatoshi Studio
Artist: Hisatoshi Iwata
Artist's notable career highlights: [1976] Received the Minister of Education Award at the Nitten Exhibition; [1982] Received the Japan Art Academy Award
Works held in collections at: The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo; The National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto; Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art; The Japan Art Academy; The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; The Corning Museum of Glass, New York; Museum Kunstpalast, Düsseldorf; Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris; and others
Period of creation: 1980s (estimated)
Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks)
Accessories: Dedicated box included
Material: Hand-blown glass
Dimensions: Diameter approx. 7.0 cm, Height approx. 9.4 cm (approximate)
Note: Please note that all products provided by our store, even if in unused condition, are from vintage production periods and are listed as used. Items may show minor age-related wear; please confirm the condition before purchasing.
