This piece is by Koji Ishii (1946–1996), a leading Japanese glass artist known as the "Magician of Glass." We introduce a sake cup featuring an ethereal jellyfish motif, a signature of Mr. Ishii. A fantastical world unfolds within the transparent glass, as if the very life of a jellyfish drifting in the depths of the deep sea has been encapsulated. Ishii's unique "inclusion technique" fully encloses colors and motifs within the glass, achieving a three-dimensional expression with depth.
When you hold the glass, you can see gold leaf randomly scattered within, and colorful glass particles of red, blue, green, and yellow seemingly melting into it. This represents the tentacles of a jellyfish drifting in water and the mysterious, sparkling luminescence within its body, evoking a sense of vibrant life through the reflection of light. Fine white glass lines depict the elegant movement of jellyfish and the trails they leave as they float in the darkness of the deep sea, adding dynamic elements and a sense of buoyancy to the piece. As light passes through, the colors become even more vivid, revealing various expressions depending on the viewing angle.
All works are hand-blown glass, and the artist's high level of skill and artistry can be felt from the shape of the glass, the heavy construction of the base, and the meticulous finish of the white rim at the mouth. The artist's signature "Koji" is engraved on the foot of the base. This is a masterpiece of high artistic value, combining traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern sensibilities. The accompanying original signed wooden box (tomobako) and a profile booklet (shiori) signed by the artist guarantee its authenticity. It is perfect for personal use or as a special gift.
Produced by: Ishii Glass Studio Co., Ltd.
Artist: Koji Ishii
Artist's Major Career Highlights: [1979] Work exhibited at "Japan New Face II" purchased by Her Imperial Highness Princess Chichibu, [1985] Designed the "Iichiko" silhouette bottle for Sanwa Shurui and received a Special Award at the Japan Package Design Competition, [1985] Received a Special Award at the "Seibu Craft Grand Prix Exhibition," [1994] Held the "Symphony of Light and Wind GLASS Koji Ishii" exhibition at the Hakone Narukawa Art Museum
Main Collections: National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, Aomori Museum of Art, Chiba Prefectural Museum of Art, Toyama Glass Art Museum, Hida Takayama Museum of Art (Hida Takayama), Narukawa Art Museum (Hakone-Ashinoko)
Note: All products we offer, even if unused, are from a very old production period and are listed as used. Please understand that products may have damage due to age, and consider this before purchasing.
