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 rocks 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 substantial form that fits comfortably in the hand and a beautiful marble pattern reminiscent of the flow of wind and water, this piece is presented to the global market as a luxury Japanese rocks glass (sake vessel) for floating large rocks of ice, quietly pouring amber aged sake, matured whisky, or authentic shochu, and savoring it alongside the flowing color gradient.
In this piece, the advanced free-blowing technique reflecting "light and wind" and the "expressions of Japan's grand nature" pursued by Koji Ishii, along with the design of rich, flowing marble patterns, manifest without reserve. On a satin (frosted) glass ground possessing a moist, soft tactile feel, sky blue, emerald green, milk-white, and pale purple gracefully meld, forming a beautiful gradation akin to the shimmering of a clear stream or the trajectory of wind crossing the sky. The process of heat-fusing and forming multiple colored glasses with different expansion coefficients under precise temperature control, followed by imparting a uniform matte finish across the entire surface, boasts advanced mastery and high technical difficulty. A thick, deep indigo blue satin glass is placed at the base, imparting a mysterious depth to the stream pattern rising from the inside by allowing poured liquid and light to pass through. The artist's hand-engraved signature "Koji" is carved on the underside of the bottom.
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 marble pattern coloration. 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, multi-layered colored glass fusion)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 8.0 cm, Mouth diameter approx. 8.5 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.
