Crafted by Koji Ishii (1946–1996), a master of modern Japanese glass art who was born in Chiba Prefecture in 1946 and passed away suddenly at the age of 50 in 1996, this is a blown red glass sake vessel adorned with gold leaf decoration. After studying metalworking techniques in the Department of Crafts at Tokyo University of the Arts and working at Toyo Glass, Koji Ishii established himself as an independent glass artist in 1977. He earned high acclaim as a leading figure in expressing the subtle nuances of Japan's four seasons, natural landscapes, light, and wind within the medium of glass. In 1989, he founded Ishii Glass Studio Co., Ltd., and in 1991, he opened a studio in Aomori City to energetically release new works. His creations are housed in public art museums across Japan, including The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, the Aomori Museum of Art, the Chiba Prefectural Museum of Art, the Toyama City Museum of Glass Art, and the Narikawa Art Museum in Hakone. Fitting comfortably in the palm with its substantial, heavy form, this sake cup (guinomi) possesses high practical utility and aesthetic value, not only as a traditional vessel for enjoying chilled sake, but also as a vintage shot glass (Japanese sake cup) for quietly savoring aged sake or matured whisky straight.
Observing the details of this piece reveals a sophisticated fusion of the blown glass sculptural beauty for which Koji Ishii received the highest acclaim, vibrant gold-ruby red glass, and bold gold leaf (kanzai) application. Formed through free-blowing techniques, the thick body bears a vivid red hue combining depth and translucency; when light passes through, the rich gradations of crimson are illuminated beautifully. Applied dynamically from the upper sides down to the base, the gold leaf has cracked and spread into an even, exquisite crackle pattern due to the heat during forming and the stretching of the glass. One can enjoy two distinct aesthetic views: the three-dimensional brilliance of the gold leaf fused on the exterior, and the interior scene where the texture of the gold leaf shimmers through the red glass. The rim features a gentle flared edge and rolled finish unique to hand-blown glass, while the flat bottom, hand-ground and polished, clearly displays his hand-carved signature reading "Koji," certifying it as an authentic work by Koji Ishii.
Regarding the period of production, taking clues from his peak artistic era following his independence in 1977, marked by his award for designing the silhouette bottle for Sanwa Shurui's "Iichiko" in 1985 and the establishment of Ishii Glass Studio in 1989, when he actively presented blown glass works through salons and exhibitions such as the venerable luxury craft merchant Otsuya Onishi Toshichi in Kyoto, it is identified as an authentic creation made between 1985 and circa 1995 (Showa 60s to early Heisei period). While Koji Ishii's works are generally housed in paper gift boxes, this piece is an exceptionally rare special edition housed in a wooden Tomobako (wooden box) inscribed on the lid "Te-fubuki Garasu Sake-ki" (Hand-blown Glass Sake Vessel) and signed on the back "Koji saku" with a seal stamped. In complete condition, it includes the wooden Tomobako hand-signed by the artist, a red protective cloth, and a dedicated cloth stamped with the seal reading "Kyoto Higashiyama Sanjo Otsuya Onishi Toshichi." The vessel itself has no cracks or chips, maintaining extremely good condition in both its red glass coloration and the adherence of the gold leaf.
- Manufacturer: Ishii Glass Studio Co., Ltd.
- Artist: Koji Ishii (1946–1996)
- Artist's Key Activities: [1977] Left Toyo Glass to become an independent glass artist; [1979] Work exhibited at "Japan New Face II" purchased by Her Imperial Highness Princess Chichibu; [1985] Designed the silhouette bottle for Sanwa Shurui "Iichiko" and received a special award; [1989] Established Ishii Glass Studio Co., Ltd.; [1994] Held a solo exhibition at the Narikawa Art Museum in Hakone
- Main Public Collections: The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo; Aomori Museum of Art; Chiba Prefectural Museum of Art; Toyama City Museum of Glass Art; Narikawa Art Museum; Hida Takayama Museum of Art, etc.
- Period of Production: Circa 1985–1995 (Estimated)
- Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Dedicated Tomobako (wooden box), red cloth, cloth stamped with Onishi Toshichi seal included
- Material: Hand-blown glass (gold-ruby red glass, gold leaf, gold decoration, carved signature)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 5.6 cm – 5.8 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 6.6 cm – 7.0 cm
- Caution: All products offered by our shop are pre-owned items due to their historical production period, even if unused. Products may have age-related damage, so please consider purchasing after understanding and verifying these condition details.
