{"product_id":"298","title":"Koji Ishii, International Commission on Glass (ICG) Award Winner, Pale Gradient Multi-color Frit Slim Glass Sake Cup \/ Tasting Glass #298","description":"\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"24\"\u003eThis is an exceptionally elegant sake cup masterpiece by the genius glass artist Mr. Koji Ishii (1946-1996), who tragically passed away at the young age of 50, despite having established a unique poetic worldview in the Japanese contemporary glass art scene. Mr. Koji Ishii is celebrated as an exceptionally talented artist in contemporary Japanese glass art. After graduating from the Department of Industrial Design at Chiba University's Faculty of Engineering, he worked at Koa Glass Co., Ltd., a glass manufacturing company, where he acquired advanced manufacturing techniques. He then established his own studio and became independent. Without undergoing an apprenticeship system under a specific master, he established a unique glass expression that seamlessly blended the intelligence of industrial design with the craftsmanship of manual work. He is particularly known for his pictorial and emotionally rich style, which seems to encapsulate the harsh natural beauty of the northern regions and Aomori. This piece is a masterpiece that can be considered the origin of Mr. Koji Ishii's creative activities, clearly expressing the techniques and unique abstract designs for which he is most highly regarded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"25\"\u003eThe work is shaped using advanced hot-work (blown glass) techniques. Multiple layers of multicolored frit (colored glass particles) and powder are stacked and layered onto a transparent glass base, creating complex flows and beautiful cloud-like patterns with blue and white color gradations. This technique requires an extremely high level of difficulty; a moment's hesitation or a slight deviation in temperature can lead directly to the glass cracking or the colors becoming cloudy. Thus, exceptional craftsmanship and precise speed are essential. At the bottom of the work, the proudly hand-engraved inscription \"Koji\" by a rotary tool attests to its authenticity, carved by his own hand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"26\"\u003eMr. Koji Ishii tragically passed away from a cerebral hemorrhage just before the prime of his artistic career, when he was expected to make a global leap. Consequently, the total number of authentic works he personally blew is overwhelmingly small, making them extremely rare. Especially as of 2026, which marks 30 years since his passing, the exquisite fusion of industrial design and handcraft that he left behind is once again attracting intense attention in both domestic and international glass art markets, and its asset value and rarity continue to increase year by year. We proudly present this vessel, imbued with established art historical authority and superlative craftsmanship, as the ultimate Japanese Kogei sake vessel for enjoying traditional Japanese beauty in the palm of your hand, tailored to a refined contemporary lifestyle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"27\"\u003eThe extremely slender and specialized form of this piece allows for the concentration of complex aromas at the center when savoring aged or matured sake that has developed deep richness and a fragrant bouquet over many years, enabling a detailed analysis and enjoyment of its intricate flavors. The design, which seems to encapsulate the harsh yet beautiful nature of the northern regions, beautifully resonates with the amber color of aged sake and the sparkle of light, elevating everyday evening drinks into a luxurious experience akin to appreciating modern art, making it a supreme modern piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"28\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"28\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eArtist:\u003c\/b\u003e Koji Ishii (1946-1996)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"29\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"29\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eArtist's Notable Career History:\u003c\/b\u003e [1982] Selected for \"Japanese Glass Exhibition,\" [1990] Received the \"International Commission on Glass (ICG) Award\" at the International Glass Exhibition, among other highly acclaimed domestic and international contemporary glass awards.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"30\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"30\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWorks Housed In:\u003c\/b\u003e National Crafts Museum, Aomori Museum of Art, Toyama Glass Art Museum, Chiba Prefectural Museum of Art, Kitazawa Museum of Art, Narukawa Art Museum, and other major museums in Japan and abroad.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"31\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"31\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eProduction Period:\u003c\/b\u003e 1980s - 1990s\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"32\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"32\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCondition:\u003c\/b\u003e Very good (no chips, no cracks)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"33\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"33\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/b\u003e Dedicated original box (paper), Shiori brochure included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"34\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"34\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/b\u003e Glass (multicolored frit)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"35\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"35\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/b\u003e Height approx. 15.3 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 8.0 cm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-path-to-node=\"36\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"36\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Please note that all products offered by our store, even if brand new and unused, originate from a historic production period and are strictly listed as antique\/used fine art items. Vintage products may exhibit subtle age-related characteristics; please consider purchasing upon full understanding and confirmation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Antique Liquor","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47974194413755,"sku":null,"price":38000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0652\/0510\/8923\/files\/IMG_8401_result.jpg?v=1783238445","url":"https:\/\/antiqueliquor1926.com\/en\/products\/298","provider":"Antique Liquor","version":"1.0","type":"link"}