Ryukyu Glasses by Inamine Kiln, Set of 2

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A pair of hand-blown Ryukyu glasses from the Inamine kiln (宙吹ガラス工房 虹), Yomitan, Okinawa. Each glass measures 10 cm high, … Read more A pair of hand-blown Ryukyu glasses from the Inamine kiln (宙吹ガラス工房 虹), Yomitan, Okinawa. Each glass measures 10 cm high, 6 cm in diameter.
The surface carries the kiln's signature crackled awa (bubble) glass: a band of ochre craquelure at the base, a lace of silvered bubbles through the middle, and a clear cobalt rim. An olive-green wave runs between the strata. The texture is closer to fired clay than to polished glass. No two firings produce the same surface.
Ryukyu glass began in post-war Okinawa, when artisans melted down discarded bottles. The Inamine kiln, founded by Inamine Seikichi — honoured in Japan as a Contemporary Master Craftsman — refined this into the crackled bubble-glass technique practised at this single workshop. His son continues the kiln today.
Two glasses exist in this pairing. The set is unrepeatable.
Dimensions: 10 × 6 cm each. Hand-blown glass. Hand wash only; not for hot liquids. Stamped by Maker,Labeled with Country of Origin See less