Description
Xandre Store Exclusive
Discover a striking expression of contemporary Okinawan glassmaking through this sculptural hand-blown vessel by Ayumu Inamine (稲嶺 歩), an Okinawan glass artisan working at Studio Rainbow Glass (宙吹ガラス工房 虹) in Yomitan Village. The son of acclaimed Okinawan glassmaker Seiichiro Inamine (稲嶺 盛一郎), Ayumu works within an established Okinawan glassmaking environment while developing his own contemporary artistic expression.
This substantial vessel was purchased directly from Ayumu's artist studio/store in Yomitan Village, Okinawa, and bears an artist/studio identifying stamp. The acquisition is further supported by photographic documentation showing the purchaser with Ayumu at the studio/store.
Its dramatic combination of golden ochre, translucent ocean blue, and deep plum-purple creates an organic, almost geological character, evoking volcanic earth, surrounding ocean, and the molten movement of hand-blown glass.
Ayumu Inamine & Studio Rainbow Glass
Ayumu Inamine represents a younger generation of Okinawan glass artisans continuing the island's distinctive tradition of Ryukyu hand-blown glass. He is the son of Seiichiro Inamine (稲嶺 盛一郎), an acclaimed Okinawan glassmaker and head of Studio Rainbow Glass (宙吹ガラス工房 虹) in Yomitan Village.
Working within this studio environment, Ayumu continues to explore the expressive possibilities of traditional Chūfuki (宙吹き) mouth-blown glass while developing an individual approach to form, texture, color, and movement. This particular vessel should therefore be appreciated first and foremost as Ayumu Inamine's own contemporary work, acquired directly from the environment in which he practices his craft.
Golden Ochre, Ocean Blue & Plum Sculptural Vessel
Created using traditional Chūfuki (宙吹き) mouth-blown glass techniques, this substantial work demonstrates the expressive possibilities of contemporary Okinawan studio glass. Its rounded, irregular form gives the vessel a distinctly sculptural presence. The exterior is dominated by a richly textured golden-ochre surface, producing an earthy, mineral-like appearance. Within the body, areas of luminous ocean blue emerge through the textured exterior, creating visual depth and the impression of looking through openings into a deeper layer of glass.
A dramatic deep plum-purple molten glass ribbon travels around the upper shoulder and neck, adding movement and a strong visual focal point. Dense bubble formations and natural variations throughout the glass further enhance its dimensionality. As light passes through and reflects across the surface, the vessel can appear subtly different from different angles. The result is a substantial contemporary glass artwork that can function as a vessel while also standing confidently as a sculptural collector's piece.
Highlights
- Solo Work by Ayumu Inamine: An individually created contemporary Okinawan glass work by Ayumu Inamine.
- Established Okinawan Studio: Created within the environment of Studio Rainbow Glass in Yomitan Village.
- Direct Artist Acquisition: Purchased directly from the artist's studio/store.
- Artist/Studio Identifying Stamp: Physical identifying mark present on the work.
- Photographic Acquisition Documentation: Acquisition supported by photographic documentation with Ayumu at the studio/store.
- Traditional Chūfuki Technique: Individually mouth-blown and shaped using traditional Okinawan glassmaking methods.
- Substantial Sculptural Form: A large, organically shaped vessel with significant visual presence.
- Golden-Ochre Texture: Rich, irregular surface creating an earthy and geological character.
- Ocean-Blue Windows: Translucent blue areas provide contrast, depth, and luminosity.
- Deep Plum-Purple Ribbon: Raised molten-glass element creates movement around the upper vessel.
- Organic Bubble Formation: Natural variations and bubbles contribute to the individuality of the work.
- Contemporary Collector's Piece: A distinctive example of contemporary Okinawan studio glass.
Curator's Note
The strength of this work lies in its individual sculptural character. The golden-ochre body creates a rugged, mineral-like foundation, while translucent ocean-blue areas introduce depth and luminosity. A deep plum-purple ribbon winds around the upper portion of the vessel, creating a strong sense of movement. Its irregular silhouette, textured surface, and naturally occurring variations make the piece unmistakably handmade. Rather than appearing mechanically uniform, the vessel preserves the visual evidence of the glassmaking process.
For collectors, this is best understood as an individual contemporary artwork by Ayumu Inamine, rather than simply a functional piece of glassware. Its direct acquisition from the artist's Yomitan studio/store further connects the physical object with the place and maker behind it.
Specifications
Artist: Ayumu Inamine (稲嶺 歩)
Studio: Studio Rainbow Glass / Chu-Fuki Glass Studio “Niji” (宙吹ガラス工房 虹)
Origin: Yomitan Village, Okinawa, Japan
Category: Contemporary Okinawan hand-blown glass / Sculptural vessel / Collector's art object
Craft Tradition: Okinawan Ryukyu Hand-Blown Glass
Technique: Traditional Chūfuki (宙吹き) mouth-blown glass
Material: Hand-blown glass with organic bubble and textured surface effects
Primary Colors: Golden ochre, translucent ocean blue, deep plum purple
Height: Approx. 22–24 cm
Maximum Body Diameter: Approx. 15–17 cm
Base Diameter: Approx. 10–12 cm
Weight: Approx. 1,800–2,200 g
Identifying Mark: Artist/studio stamp present on the work
Packaging: Presentation box
Documentation: Studio profile/biographical documentation, where supplied
Availability: One individual work
Provenance & Authenticity
This vessel was purchased directly from Ayumu Inamine's artist studio/store in Yomitan Village, Okinawa, providing a direct acquisition history. The work bears a physical artist/studio identifying stamp, documenting its connection to the artist/studio. The acquisition is further supported by photographic documentation showing the purchaser with Ayumu Inamine at the studio/store at the time of acquisition.
Care Instructions
- Wash gently by hand with lukewarm water and mild dish soap.
- Avoid abrasive sponges, brushes, and harsh chemical cleaners.
- Do not place in a dishwasher or microwave.
- Avoid sudden extreme temperature changes that may cause thermal shock.
- Handle the raised glass ribbon carefully during washing and drying.
Shipping & International Orders
Domestic shipping within Japan is available with protective packaging suitable for delicate art glass. International orders may be subject to shipping charges, import duties, VAT, GST, customs fees, or other local taxes. All applicable destination-country charges are the responsibility of the recipient.
Xandre Store - Connecting collectors with the craftsmanship, heritage, and stories behind Japan’s regional artistic traditions.
Description
Xandre Store Exclusive
Discover a striking expression of contemporary Okinawan glassmaking through this sculptural hand-blown vessel by Ayumu Inamine (稲嶺 歩), an Okinawan glass artisan working at Studio Rainbow Glass (宙吹ガラス工房 虹) in Yomitan Village. The son of acclaimed Okinawan glassmaker Seiichiro Inamine (稲嶺 盛一郎), Ayumu works within an established Okinawan glassmaking environment while developing his own contemporary artistic expression.
This substantial vessel was purchased directly from Ayumu's artist studio/store in Yomitan Village, Okinawa, and bears an artist/studio identifying stamp. The acquisition is further supported by photographic documentation showing the purchaser with Ayumu at the studio/store.
Its dramatic combination of golden ochre, translucent ocean blue, and deep plum-purple creates an organic, almost geological character, evoking volcanic earth, surrounding ocean, and the molten movement of hand-blown glass.
Ayumu Inamine & Studio Rainbow Glass
Ayumu Inamine represents a younger generation of Okinawan glass artisans continuing the island's distinctive tradition of Ryukyu hand-blown glass. He is the son of Seiichiro Inamine (稲嶺 盛一郎), an acclaimed Okinawan glassmaker and head of Studio Rainbow Glass (宙吹ガラス工房 虹) in Yomitan Village.
Working within this studio environment, Ayumu continues to explore the expressive possibilities of traditional Chūfuki (宙吹き) mouth-blown glass while developing an individual approach to form, texture, color, and movement. This particular vessel should therefore be appreciated first and foremost as Ayumu Inamine's own contemporary work, acquired directly from the environment in which he practices his craft.
Golden Ochre, Ocean Blue & Plum Sculptural Vessel
Created using traditional Chūfuki (宙吹き) mouth-blown glass techniques, this substantial work demonstrates the expressive possibilities of contemporary Okinawan studio glass. Its rounded, irregular form gives the vessel a distinctly sculptural presence. The exterior is dominated by a richly textured golden-ochre surface, producing an earthy, mineral-like appearance. Within the body, areas of luminous ocean blue emerge through the textured exterior, creating visual depth and the impression of looking through openings into a deeper layer of glass.
A dramatic deep plum-purple molten glass ribbon travels around the upper shoulder and neck, adding movement and a strong visual focal point. Dense bubble formations and natural variations throughout the glass further enhance its dimensionality. As light passes through and reflects across the surface, the vessel can appear subtly different from different angles. The result is a substantial contemporary glass artwork that can function as a vessel while also standing confidently as a sculptural collector's piece.
Highlights
- Solo Work by Ayumu Inamine: An individually created contemporary Okinawan glass work by Ayumu Inamine.
- Established Okinawan Studio: Created within the environment of Studio Rainbow Glass in Yomitan Village.
- Direct Artist Acquisition: Purchased directly from the artist's studio/store.
- Artist/Studio Identifying Stamp: Physical identifying mark present on the work.
- Photographic Acquisition Documentation: Acquisition supported by photographic documentation with Ayumu at the studio/store.
- Traditional Chūfuki Technique: Individually mouth-blown and shaped using traditional Okinawan glassmaking methods.
- Substantial Sculptural Form: A large, organically shaped vessel with significant visual presence.
- Golden-Ochre Texture: Rich, irregular surface creating an earthy and geological character.
- Ocean-Blue Windows: Translucent blue areas provide contrast, depth, and luminosity.
- Deep Plum-Purple Ribbon: Raised molten-glass element creates movement around the upper vessel.
- Organic Bubble Formation: Natural variations and bubbles contribute to the individuality of the work.
- Contemporary Collector's Piece: A distinctive example of contemporary Okinawan studio glass.
Curator's Note
The strength of this work lies in its individual sculptural character. The golden-ochre body creates a rugged, mineral-like foundation, while translucent ocean-blue areas introduce depth and luminosity. A deep plum-purple ribbon winds around the upper portion of the vessel, creating a strong sense of movement. Its irregular silhouette, textured surface, and naturally occurring variations make the piece unmistakably handmade. Rather than appearing mechanically uniform, the vessel preserves the visual evidence of the glassmaking process.
For collectors, this is best understood as an individual contemporary artwork by Ayumu Inamine, rather than simply a functional piece of glassware. Its direct acquisition from the artist's Yomitan studio/store further connects the physical object with the place and maker behind it.
Specifications
Artist: Ayumu Inamine (稲嶺 歩)
Studio: Studio Rainbow Glass / Chu-Fuki Glass Studio “Niji” (宙吹ガラス工房 虹)
Origin: Yomitan Village, Okinawa, Japan
Category: Contemporary Okinawan hand-blown glass / Sculptural vessel / Collector's art object
Craft Tradition: Okinawan Ryukyu Hand-Blown Glass
Technique: Traditional Chūfuki (宙吹き) mouth-blown glass
Material: Hand-blown glass with organic bubble and textured surface effects
Primary Colors: Golden ochre, translucent ocean blue, deep plum purple
Height: Approx. 22–24 cm
Maximum Body Diameter: Approx. 15–17 cm
Base Diameter: Approx. 10–12 cm
Weight: Approx. 1,800–2,200 g
Identifying Mark: Artist/studio stamp present on the work
Packaging: Presentation box
Documentation: Studio profile/biographical documentation, where supplied
Availability: One individual work
Provenance & Authenticity
This vessel was purchased directly from Ayumu Inamine's artist studio/store in Yomitan Village, Okinawa, providing a direct acquisition history. The work bears a physical artist/studio identifying stamp, documenting its connection to the artist/studio. The acquisition is further supported by photographic documentation showing the purchaser with Ayumu Inamine at the studio/store at the time of acquisition.
Care Instructions
- Wash gently by hand with lukewarm water and mild dish soap.
- Avoid abrasive sponges, brushes, and harsh chemical cleaners.
- Do not place in a dishwasher or microwave.
- Avoid sudden extreme temperature changes that may cause thermal shock.
- Handle the raised glass ribbon carefully during washing and drying.
Shipping & International Orders
Domestic shipping within Japan is available with protective packaging suitable for delicate art glass. International orders may be subject to shipping charges, import duties, VAT, GST, customs fees, or other local taxes. All applicable destination-country charges are the responsibility of the recipient.
Xandre Store - Connecting collectors with the craftsmanship, heritage, and stories behind Japan’s regional artistic traditions.
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