Ishii Koji (石井康治)'s "Celebration Cup" Hand-blown Glass Red and White Sake Cup Set #54

Ishii Koji (石井康治, 1946–1996) is one of Japan's leading glass artists, known for fantastical jellyfish motifs. Using a unique entrapment technique, the artist captures colors and motifs within the glass, creating a sense of transparency and floating that evokes the deep sea. Each of Ishii's works is one-of-a-kind, handmade, and is housed in museums both in Japan and abroad. The artist's works continue to receive high praise, with small pieces starting at around 80,000 yen and medium- to large masterpieces fetching over 1 million yen.

This work, a set of two hand-blown glass sake cups (guinomi) featuring the artist's signature techniques, is presented in a paulownia wood box as "celebratory cups." The beautiful contrast of red and white makes this pair worthy of adding color to a special occasion drinking party. Both cups have a soft, rounded shape, with a slightly flared rim for easy drinking. The fresh luster unique to glass and the slight distortions and bubbles that can only be found in hand-blown glass create a warm and unique appearance.

1. White glass (clear/multicolored inside)
Using highly transparent clear glass as a base, Ishii's signature inclusion technique is fully utilized. Gold leaf and multicolored glass fragments (red, blue, green, light blue, etc.) are trapped inside the glass, and the way they rise to the surface with delicate bubbles is reminiscent of champagne bubbles or jewels sparkling in the night sky. The rim has a texture reminiscent of a dusting of whitish powder snow, creating an overall glamorous yet pure and dreamy atmosphere.

2. Red glass (gold-painted interior)
The base color is a vivid, deep crimson glass. From the inside to the outside, lavish gold decoration (gold leaf and golden glass pieces) reflects the light, giving off a gorgeous sparkle. The combination of red and gold is truly fitting for celebrations, and the organic arrangement of the deep red of the glass and the gold decoration evokes a sense of vitality and nobility.

These two "celebratory cups" each have their own unique charm, but when placed together in red and white, they create a beautiful harmony that is exceptional. Not only are they practical as sake vessels, but they are also highly valued works of art.

• Produced by: Ishii Glass Studio Co., Ltd.
• Author: Ishii Koji
• Artist's representative activities: [1979] A work shown at "Japan New Face II" was purchased by Her Imperial Highness Princess Chichibu; [1985] Designed the silhouette bottle for Sanwa Shurui's "iichiko" and received a Special Prize at the Japan Package Design Competition; [1985] Special Prize at the Seibu Craft Grand Prize Exhibition; [1994] Exhibition "Symphony of Light and Wind: GLASS Ishii Koji" at the Narukawa Art Museum, Hakone
  
• Production period: 1980s-1990s
• Condition: Very good (no chips or cracks)
• Accessories: Dedicated wooden box included
• Material: hand-blown glass
  
• Dimensions: height approx. 5cm, diameter approx. 6.5cm
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