This hand-blown glass work "Kin-Tokusa Tetsuke-Hai" (Gold Horsetail Pattern Cup with Handle) is created by Osamu Otsubo (b. ca. 1947), a top-tier master technician and glass artist at Joetsu Crystal Glass (Tsukiyono Studio), known for being selected as a "Contemporary Master Craftsman" by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (awarded in 2005 / Heisei 17) and for participating in the restoration of glass chandelier parts for the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace. Having repeatedly been selected for the Nitten exhibition and spent decades perfecting colored glass shaping and gold leaf fusing techniques via off-hand glassblowing (hot work), this piece represents one of Mr. Otsubo's signature craft liquor vessels. It can be estimated as an authentic work created between the late 1990s and early 2000s (around Heisei 10), a period surrounding his recognition as a "Contemporary Master Craftsman" when the development and technique of gold-leaf handled art liquor vessels bearing the artist's personal name reached full maturity at the studio.
A detailed analysis of the piece's design reveals a supreme fusion of advanced gold leaf encapsulation technology—expressing the traditional "Tokusa" (horsetail / vertical stripe) motif crowned in the work's title through gold leaf—and Mr. Otsubo's true mastery of hot-work fusing of different colored glasses. Recreating the traditional vertical stripe Tokusa pattern cherished in Japan since ancient times through a meticulous technique of wrapping gold leaf onto molten glass at high temperatures and blowing it out, the delicate cracks produced in the gold leaf intricately refract light, causing golden stripes to emerge in three-dimensional relief. The body surface forms a beautiful stripe pattern harmonizing the dazzling brilliance of gold leaf with the clear transparency of glass, depicting deep, luminous shadows. Furthermore, a handle made of vivid emerald-green colored glass is seamlessly and smoothly fused to the side using hot-work techniques, forming a magnificent aesthetic contrast between the thick, robust form unique to hand-blown glass, the powerful gold Tokusa pattern, and the clear green handle.
Boasting substantial dimensions measuring approx. 15.7 cm in height, approx. 8.8 cm in diameter, and approx. 480 g in weight, our shop proposes this work, in alignment with modern refined lifestyles and fine spirits culture, as a "Japanese beer mug" for pouring chilled premium or craft beers, or as a "Japanese highball glass" for enjoying vintage whiskey highballs, aged sake, or fine spirits over ice. The sturdy green handle resting comfortably in the hand and the visual effect of the gold Tokusa pattern intricately reflecting in poured liquids or ice elevate an evening drink to a far more glamorous occasion. A masterpiece uniting the high thermal processing technology and traditional pattern beauty of a Contemporary Master Craftsman, this piece allows one to relish the true essence of Japanese glass craft through both visual appreciation and practical use.
- Artist: Osamu Otsubo (b. ca. 1947)
- Artist's Representative Career Highlights: Chief Technician at Joetsu Crystal Glass (Tsukiyono Studio). Selected as a "Contemporary Master Craftsman" (Outstanding Technician Award) by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in 2005 (Heisei 17). In charge of restoring glass chandelier parts for Akasaka Palace. Selected for Nitten and Japan Contemporary Arts and Crafts Exhibitions.
- Production Period: Late 1990s–early 2000s (around Heisei 10)
- Item Condition: Very Good (No chips, no cracks)
- Accessories: None (Main body only)
- Material: Glass (Gold leaf encapsulation, colored glass fusion)
- Dimensions: Height approx. 15.7 cm, Diameter approx. 8.8 cm, Weight approx. 480 g
- Note: The items provided by our shop were produced a very long time ago and are all listed as pre-owned items. Please understand and confirm the age-related changes before considering your purchase.
