Description

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

Discover a distinctive expression of contemporary Okinawan glassmaking through this hand-blown glass cup by Kazuha Miyaguni (宮國 一羽), an Okinawa Prefecture-certified Traditional Craftsman. Sourced directly from the artist’s shop in Yomitan Pottery Village (やちむんの里), this piece combines a delicate sunset-pink rim with a warm amber-gold body surrounded by a fine metallic crackle pattern. A raised ribbon of translucent azure-blue glass sweeps around the vessel, creating a vivid contrast between warm and cool tones while adding an organic sculptural dimension. The interplay of color, texture, and transparency gives this cup the character of a small-scale glass artwork while retaining its original function as a drinking vessel.

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 as the son of Tsuguo Miyaguni (宮國 次男), a renowned Okinawan glass craftsman recognized as a Contemporary Master Craftsman (現代の名工). Kazuha Miyaguni trained at established workshops including Okuhara Glass Studio and Chu-Fuki Glass Studio “Niji.” Following recognition through multiple Okiten Exhibition appearances, he established Chu-Fuki Glass Studio “Kizuna” (宙吹ガラス工房「絆」) in Yomitan Village in 2015 and later assumed a representative role at Chu-Fuki Glass Studio “Niji.”

In 2022, Miyaguni was certified as an Okinawa Prefecture Traditional Craftsman. His work demonstrates the continuing development of Okinawan glassmaking through traditional mouth-blown techniques and contemporary forms.

Highlights

1. Certified Okinawa Traditional Craftsman: Individually mouth-blown by Kazuha Miyaguni (宮國 一羽).
2. Direct Studio Provenance: Sourced directly from the artist’s shop in Yomitan Pottery Village.
3. Sunset Color Palette: Delicate pink transitions into warm amber-gold tones for a luminous, atmospheric appearance.
4. Metallic Crackle Texture: A fine network of metallic crackling creates depth across the warm-toned glass body.
5. Sculptural Azure Ribbon: A raised azure-blue glass swirl wraps around the vessel, providing dramatic color contrast and a tactile element.
6. Individual Studio Artwork: Traditional 宙吹き (chūfuki) production allows natural variations in form, color, and glass flow.
7. Artist Documentation Included: Accompanied by an artist profile card bearing Miyaguni’s signature and red artist seal.

Curator’s Note

This cup is defined by its warm-to-cool color transition. The soft pink rim and amber body suggest the final light of an Okinawan sunset, while the vivid azure ribbon introduces the color of the surrounding sea. Beneath the surface, the delicate crackle pattern adds another layer of visual complexity, becoming particularly expressive as light passes through the glass.

The raised blue glass element also gives the cup a distinctly sculptural quality. Rather than simply decorating the vessel, it becomes part of its physical character, following the contours of the form and creating a tactile point of interaction. Directly acquired from the artist’s shop in Yomitan, this is an appealing example of contemporary Okinawan studio glass that remains rooted in traditional hand-blown craftsmanship.

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 Glassware / Contemporary Fine Art Drinkware
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 glass with metallic foil crackle effect
8. Color Palette: Sunset pink, warm amber-gold, metallic crackle, azure blue
9. Documentation: Original artist profile card with artist signature and red seal
10. Acquisition: Directly sourced from the artist’s shop in Yomitan Pottery Village

Care Instructions

1. Wash gently by hand with lukewarm water and mild dish soap.
2. Avoid abrasive sponges, brushes, and harsh chemical cleaners.
3. Do not place in a dishwasher or microwave.
4. Avoid sudden extreme temperature changes that may cause thermal shock.
5. Handle the raised glass elements carefully when 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.