This exceptionally elegant Ba-jou-hai (traditional horseback stemmed cup) is crafted by Mr. Kuniaki Kuroki (born 1945), a paramount master of contemporary Japanese glass art who, based in Miyazaki Prefecture, sublimates Japan's fading traditional aesthetics into the cutting-edge medium of glass, earning the highest acclaim both domestically and internationally. Born in Kobayashi City, Miyazaki Prefecture in 1945, Mr. Kuniaki Kuroki continues to be a living legend in the Japanese glass art world, presiding over his own atelier and maintaining a profound global influence as a leading figure even today in 2026. Since entering the glass manufacturing industry on the factory floor in 1963, he has remained entirely unbound by the rigid apprenticeship systems of traditional schools, mastering every facet of the craft—from the high-temperature hot forming of molten raw glass to intricate cold cutting—entirely through self-study and rigorous practical experience. After establishing Glass Art Kuroki in his ancestral hometown of Ayacho, Miyazaki Prefecture, and becoming independent in 1984, he achieved a singular artistic universe that seamlessly fuses Western glass techniques with classical Japanese sensibilities. In 1989, he was honored with the "Contemporary Master Craftsman" national award for outstanding skills, becoming the youngest recipient in the glass art history at the time. Furthermore, in 2006, he was bestowed with the prestigious Medal with Yellow Ribbon by the Japanese government, reaching the absolute pinnacle of domestic honor as both a master craftsman and a fine artist.
This masterpiece flawlessly embodies the spirit of "Aya Kiriko," a proprietary cut glass technique developed by Mr. Kuroki through exhaustive research and modern reinterpretation of the legendary Satsuma Kiriko craft, which had once vanished from the historical stage. While at first glance it may evoke the aura of avant-garde Western studio glass, its profound essence lies in Mr. Kuroki's uncompromising cultural identity: reincarnating the pristine natural grandeur of Ayacho, Miyazaki Prefecture—celebrated for hosting one of the world's largest evergreen broadleaf forests and crystal-clear mountain springs—directly into the soul of the vessel. The heavy, hand-blown cased glass features a rich amber foundation layered with a deep green glass overlay, over which flawless geometric cuts are meticulously applied without a fraction of error. By deeply carving away this thick, colored glass layer at a sophisticated angle, a spectacular refraction of light is achieved, creating "bokashi"—the breathtaking, subtle color gradation that shifts fantastically from vivid green to warm amber. This intricate layering of colors conjures a painterly landscape, capturing the mystical light filtering through Ayacho's ancient woods and the shimmering face of its pure streams. The silhouette of the vessel proudly adopts the noble form of the historic Ba-jou-hai, where the substantial weightiness inherent to hand-formed pieces and the organic, slightly unique contours exude an overwhelming sculptural presence that completely distances it from mass-produced wares. The artist's signature is proudly engraved on the base of the piece, certifying its true authenticity, and a carefully preserved, dedicated Tomobako (the original wooden box signed and sealed by the artist) is included as a vital historical document proving its impeccable provenance.
We propose this exceptional vessel, imbued with undisputed art-historical authority and world-class superlative craftsmanship, as the ultimate Japanese KOGEI masterpiece for savoring refined sake and spirits within the palm of your hand, perfectly tailored to a sophisticated contemporary lifestyle. Standing at approximately 8.5 cm in height with a mouth diameter ranging from a minimum of 8.0 cm to a maximum of 8.5 cm, its precise proportions fit beautifully in the hand while concentration and encompassing rich aromas. It performs at its absolute zenith when used to sample aged sake (Koshu) or mature spirits that have developed deep complexity and noble bouquets over many decades. The structure, featuring the tall stem characteristic of the traditional horseback cup, flawlessly prevents the natural body heat of the hand from transferring to the delicate liquid inside, making it functionally and scientifically rational for tasting matured spirits where strict temperature control is paramount. The surreal green and amber landscape extending across the front and sides resonates marvelously with the natural amber hue of poured aged sake, elevating an everyday evening drink into a luxurious moment of contemplating top-tier three-dimensional art. Original creations and museum-tier masterpieces executed entirely by Mr. Kuniaki Kuroki himself are actively acquired by passionate collectors and public institutions worldwide, leaving the civilian market with extremely scarce opportunities to encounter them, thereby endowing this piece with immense rarity and archival value. This Ba-jou-hai stemmed cup, a miraculous crystallization that has successfully evolved the fierce, powerful spirit of Japanese tradition into contemporary fine art, harmonizes flawlessly with sophisticated modern interiors, whether Eastern or Western, bringing undeniable dignity and an incomparable presence to any setting.
- Artist: Kuniaki Kuroki (1945-)
- Artist's Notable Career History: [1963] Joined Yamaya Glass Industrial Co., Ltd. in Miyazaki Prefecture, commencing his rigorous foundation as a glass craftsman; [1974] Relocated to a prominent glass manufacturing company in Tokyo to absorb advanced modern techniques and scientific knowledge; [1984] Founded "Glass Art Kuroki" in his hometown of Ayacho, Miyazaki Prefecture, establishing his independence; [1989] Received the national award for outstanding skills "Contemporary Master Craftsman" as the youngest recipient in the glass discipline at the time; [1991] Certified as an official Miyazaki Prefecture Traditional Craftsman; [2006] Bestowed with the "Medal with Yellow Ribbon" (Huangshubaozhang) by the Japanese government
- Works Collected and Presented: National Crafts Museum, Miyazaki Prefectural Art Museum, Miyakonojo City Museum of Art, Ebeltoft Glass Museum (Denmark), China National Museum of Art (Beijing), Japanese Embassies and Consulates-General worldwide (Diplomatic Missions), Imperial Household Presentations (officially presented to Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Naruhito, Their Imperial Highnesses Prince and Princess Akishino, etc.), The Vatican City, and numerous prestigious presentations and donations to overseas Royal Families
- Production Period: Circa 2010 (Estimated, the peak mature period following his national decoration of the Medal with Yellow Ribbon)
- Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Dedicated Tomobako (original wooden box signed and sealed by the artist), Shiori included (original brochure detailing the artist's profile and lineage)
- Material: Glass (Aya Kiriko, cased overlay glass)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 8.5 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 8.0 cm (min) - 8.5 cm (max) (Single piece)
- Note: Please note that while the items we offer may be in pristine, unused condition, they originate from a historic production period and are strictly listed as antique/used fine art pieces. Vintage items may exhibit subtle age-related characteristics; we kindly ask that you review all details and purchase upon full understanding.
