Introducing an extremely rare set of two large wine glasses by Jinnai Sakata (born 1943), a master based in Mashiko who continues to pursue original expressions that transcend the boundaries of pottery. This work is a masterpiece where Sakata's theme of the fusion of pottery and glass, which he pursued energetically in the 1990s, is beautifully realized through its sculptural beauty and superb technique.
The most astonishing feature of this work lies in the structure of its vivid red stem, which immediately captures the eye. This is not merely a solid block of red glass, but rather employs an advanced technique similar to filigrana—a traditional Venetian glass art form—where numerous extremely thin red glass rods are bundled together and twisted into shape. The texture created by this aggregation of countless lines is Sakata's expression in glass of the powerful, rhythmic Shinjinmon (Deeply Subtle Pattern) that he established in his black pottery works. When illuminated, the red lines intersect in multiple layers, emitting a complex and profound brilliance impossible with a single color.
In contrast, the transparent bowl features the ice glass technique, with beautiful cracks spreading across its entire surface. This technique involves momentarily dipping hot blown glass into cold water to create fine cracks on the surface, then reheating and shaping it to produce a unique, ice-like texture. This serendipitous texture causes the irregularly placed gold leaf, known as Haku-ha-hari (foil-leaf glass), to diffusely reflect light, creating a fantastical prism when liquid is poured into it.
Furthermore, the overwhelming scale of approximately 21 cm in height and 12 cm in rim diameter is exceptionally large for a hand-blown glass wine glass. To fire a work of this size with perfect control over cracks and distortions while maintaining a refined symmetry requires masterful control of fire and a profound understanding of gravity, truly demonstrating the artist's extraordinary skill. The handwritten signatures of Jin and Jinnai Sakata on only one of the two pieces serve as a testament to the artist's pride, indicating that these two pieces constitute a complete set.
Starting from orthodox pottery under the tutelage of the legendary potter Shoji Kamoda, Sakata boldly incorporated diverse materials such as glass and gold leaf, establishing craft as contemporary art. His glass works from the 1990s, in particular, document an important transitional period that led to his later dedications to Ise Jingu (Ise Grand Shrine) and Izumo Taisha (Izumo Grand Shrine). Glass works created by potters possess a unique blend of earthy strength and decorative beauty not found in works by dedicated glass artists, and their presence in the market is extremely limited. These are supreme art pieces that not only brightly adorn everyday moments but also offer the joy of owning a fragment of Japan's modern craft history.
- Artist: Jinnai Sakata (1943–Present)
- Artist's Representative Activities: [2009] Invited artist at the 1st Shanghai International Ceramic Art Exhibition; [2013] Donated Shinjinmon Haku-ha-hari Magatama Large Plate "Brilliance of Life" for the Great Heisei Relocation of Izumo Taisha; [2013] Donated Black Pottery Shinjinmon Foil-Pressed Large Plate "Homage to the Sun" for the Shikinen Sengu of Ise Jingu; [2014] Donated Shinjinmon Foil-Glass Object "Waannei" to Atsuta Jingu; [2014] Donated a pair of Black Pottery Engraved Shinjinmon Foil-Pressed Ceramic Boxes "Longevity" to Kameoka Hachimangu (Mashiko Town).
- Production Period: 1990s (Estimated)
- Condition: Very good (No chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: None
- Materials: Glass, Gold Leaf
- Dimensions: Height approx. 21 cm, Rim Diameter approx. 12 cm
- Note: All products offered by our store, even if unused, are from very old production periods and are listed as used items. Products may have age-related damage, so please understand and confirm before considering a purchase.
