Graduating from the Department of Crafts (Tankin / Metal Hammering Specialty) at Tokyo University of the Arts in 1971, and going independent in 1977 after working at Toyo Glass Co., Ltd. before establishing Ishii Glass Studio Co., Ltd. in 1989, master artisan Koji Ishii (1946–1996) of Japan's contemporary glass art world created this hand-blown stemmed tasting glass. Fusing free-blowing (Chubuki) techniques with the three-dimensional sculptural sensibility cultivated through metal hammering to establish a unique glass expression themed around light, wind, and the natural beauty of Japan, he left a brilliant legacy: his exhibited piece at "Japan New Face II" was purchased by Her Imperial Highness Princess Chichibu in 1979; he won the Special Award at the Japan Package Design Competition in 1985 for designing the silhouette bottle of Sanwa Shurui's "iichiko" as well as the Special Award at the Seibu Crafts Grand Prize Exhibition in the same year; and he held the "Symphony of Light and Wind: GLASS Koji Ishii" exhibition at the Narukawa Art Museum in Hakone in 1994. Featuring a bowl that opens softly like a tulip and a dignified stem, this piece embraces the rich, rising aromas of aged sake, matured Japanese sake, or matured whisky, presented to the global market as a luxury tasting glass (sake vessel) for carefully appreciating delicate colorations.
In this piece, the bonding technology of multi-layered colored glass and metal leaf—Koji Ishii's hallmark—and a fantastical design echoing "Saika-mon" (floral patterns expressing four seasons of flowers and natural radiance) manifest with extraordinary completion. On a light lavender satin (frosted) glass body offering a moist tactile feel, silver leaf and colorful glass elements in mint green, milk-white, and pale purple are delicately heat-fused and decorated under high temperatures from the lower bowl to the stem. The process of uniformly fusing silver leaf and multiple colored glasses with different expansion coefficients without tearing the leaf, while imparting a matte texture to the surface, is a highly difficult technique requiring precise temperature control and advanced free-blowing skills. When liquid is poured in, the silver leaf and vivid elements placed at the bottom of the bowl gleam beautifully amid the soft light diffusion of the satin ground, gracefully harmonizing with the hue of the spirits. From the stem to the foot, it is finished in a tight dark tone, with the artist's hand-engraved signature "Koji" carved on the underside of the base.
Regarding the period of production, it is estimated to be a work created during his peak era (1989–1996, late 1980s to mid-1990s), spanning from the establishment of Ishii Glass Studio Co., Ltd. in 1989, through the opening of the Aomori Studio in 1991, until his sudden passing at the age of 50 in 1996. His career as an independent artist from 1977 until his passing was short—spanning roughly 20 years—making one-of-a-kind hand-blown glass items crafted by his hands limited in market circulation and boasting exceptionally high rarity. The vessel body itself suffers no damage such as cracks or chips, maintaining outstanding condition in both satin surface finish and decoration. It comes with a dedicated box stamped with a red seal and inscribed on the lid face with "Hand-Blown Glass, Koji."
- Artist: Koji Ishii (1946–1996)
- Artist's Key Activities: [1979] Exhibited work at "Japan New Face II" purchased by Her Imperial Highness Princess Chichibu; [1985] Designed silhouette bottle for Sanwa Shurui "iichiko" and won Special Award at Japan Package Design Competition; [1985] Won Special Award at Seibu Crafts Grand Prize Exhibition; [1989] Established Ishii Glass Studio Co., Ltd.; [1991] Opened Ishii Glass Studio Aomori Studio; [1994] Held "Symphony of Light and Wind: GLASS Koji Ishii" exhibition at Narukawa Art Museum, Hakone
- Works Housed In: National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (now National Crafts Museum), Aomori Museum of Art, Chiba Prefectural Museum of Art, Toyama City Museum of Glass Art, Hida Takayama Museum of Art, Narukawa Art Museum (Hakone, Lake Ashi)
- Period of Production: 1989–1996 (Late 1980s–mid-1990s, estimated)
- Condition: Very good (no chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: Dedicated box included
- Material: Hand-blown glass (satin finish, fused silver leaf and colored glass)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 10.5 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 7.2 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.
