Okinawan Ryukyu Hand-Blown Glass Collection: Kazuha Miyaguni (宮國 一羽) - Sculptural Earth & Lava Glass Vessel (宙吹ガラス)

Description

Xandre Store Exclusive: Celebrating Okinawan Artisanal Glass Heritage Through Contemporary Fine Art

Discover an extraordinary expression of contemporary Okinawan glass craftsmanship through this organic studio glass vessel by Kazuha Miyaguni (宮國 一羽), an Okinawa Prefecture-certified Traditional Craftsman. Created using the traditional 宙吹き (chūfuki) mouth-blown technique, the vessel combines richly textured earth-toned surfaces with vibrant emerald green and deep cobalt blue glass. Its irregular, geological character creates a striking contrast between rugged texture and the smooth, flowing movement of molten glass.

Sourced directly from the artist’s workshop in Yomitan Pottery Village, the piece offers a tangible connection to Okinawa’s contemporary craft community. Coral-like texturing, deep earth colors, and translucent colored glass come together in a work that functions equally well as a decorative vessel or as a standalone contemporary glass sculpture.

Kazuha Miyaguni: Contemporary Okinawan Glass Craftsmanship

Born in Naha, Okinawa, in 1971, Kazuha Miyaguni (宮國 一羽) developed his craft within Okinawa’s distinguished glassmaking tradition. He trained at established workshops including Okuhara Glass Studio and Chu-Fuki Glass Studio “Niji.” Following recognition through numerous Okiten Exhibition appearances, Miyaguni established Chu-Fuki Glass Studio “Kizuna” (宙吹ガラス工房「絆」) in Yomitan in 2015. In 2020, he subsequently assumed a representative role at Chu-Fuki Glass Studio “Niji.”

In 2022, Miyaguni was certified as an Okinawa Prefecture Traditional Craftsman, recognizing his contribution to the preservation and development of Okinawan traditional craft. His work demonstrates how the traditional chūfuki glassblowing method can be interpreted through contemporary sculptural forms, emphasizing texture, color, transparency, and the unpredictable character of molten glass.

Highlights

1. Okinawa Prefecture Traditional Craftsman: Created by Kazuha Miyaguni (宮國 一羽), officially certified as an Okinawa Prefecture Traditional Craftsman in 2022.
2. Direct Studio Acquisition: Sourced directly from Miyaguni’s workshop in Yomitan Pottery Village, providing a meaningful connection to the artist and Okinawa’s craft community.
3. Organic Sculptural Texture: Features a dramatic porous, earth-and-lava-like surface contrasted with smooth, flowing glass forms.
4. Dynamic Color Layering: Deep earth and volcanic-brown tones are complemented by vivid emerald green and rich cobalt blue.
5. Traditional Chūfuki Technique: Individually mouth-blown using 宙吹き, allowing natural variations in form, texture, and internal color.
6. Vessel & Sculpture: Designed to function as a decorative vessel while also standing independently as a contemporary glass artwork.
7. Artist Documentation Included: Accompanied by an artist profile sheet bearing Miyaguni’s signature and red artist seal.

Curator’s Note

The defining character of this vessel is its dramatic contrast between rugged texture and luminous color.Its deeply textured exterior evokes the visual language of Okinawa’s weathered basalt, coral formations, and volcanic terrain, while the polished green and blue glass introduces movement, transparency, and depth.

When illuminated, the colored glass reveals changing layers of color and reflection, allowing the work to shift visually with its surroundings. The result is a piece that rewards close examination from different angles and under different lighting conditions.

Directly acquired in Yomitan Village, one of Okinawa’s important centers of traditional craft, this vessel represents the continuing evolution of Okinawan glass artistry. Rather than recreating an historical object, Miyaguni translates the visual character of Okinawa’s natural environment into a distinctly contemporary work of Japanese studio glass.

Specifications

1. Artist: Kazuha Miyaguni (宮國 一羽)
2. Studio: Chu-Fuki Glass Studio “Niji” / “Kizuna” (宙吹ガラス工房「虹」/「絆」)
3. Origin: Yomitan Village, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan
4. Category: Hand-Blown Okinawan Studio Glass / Contemporary Fine Art Sculpture
5. Craft Tradition: Okinawan Hand-Blown Glass (宙吹ガラス)
6. Technique: Traditional mouth-blown glass (宙吹き)
7. Material: Hand-blown soda-lime glass with textured and incorporated surface elements
8. Color Palette: Earthy volcanic brown, emerald green, and cobalt blue
9. Documentation: Original artist profile card bearing artist signature and red seal
10. Acquisition: Directly sourced from the artist’s workshop in Yomitan Pottery Village

Care Instructions

Hand-blown studio glass should be handled carefully to preserve its surface, color, and finish.

1. Dust gently using a soft, dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth.
2. If cleaning is necessary, wash carefully by hand with lukewarm water and mild dish soap.
3. Avoid abrasive sponges, brushes, and chemical solvents, particularly on textured areas.
4. Do not place in a dishwasher or microwave.
5. Avoid sudden temperature changes that may cause thermal shock.
6. Display securely on a stable, level surface away from excessive heat or areas of heavy traffic.

Shipping & International Orders

Domestic shipping within Japan is available with protective packaging specifically selected for delicate art glass. International orders may be subject to additional shipping charges, import duties, VAT, GST, customs fees, or other local taxes. All applicable customs charges and destination-country taxes are the responsibility of the recipient.

Xandre Store - Connecting collectors with the craftsmanship, heritage, and stories behind Japan’s regional artistic traditions.