Xandre Store Exclusive - Contemporary Okinawan Hand-Blown Glass Acquired Directly from Takumi Kōbō

Description

Discover a distinctive expression of contemporary Okinawan glassmaking through this Deep Ocean Swirl Fine Art Rock Cup - Earth Edition, crafted in the traditional 宙吹き (Chūfuki) free-blown glass technique associated with Okinawan Ryukyu glass. The vessel presents a dynamic composition of deep cobalt blue, lapis tones, and luminous white glass, creating an impression of moving ocean currents, sea foam, and the changing colors of Okinawa's surrounding waters.

Its gently flared rim transitions into a substantial, rounded rock-cup body, giving the piece a satisfying visual weight and sculptural presence. Within the colored glass, naturally occurring and intentionally incorporated bubbles add additional depth as light passes through the vessel.

Acquired directly through the Takumi Kōbō studio/store in Okinawa, the piece carries an identifying studio mark on its base, providing a physical connection between the finished work and its originating workshop. This is both a functional glass vessel and a collectible example of contemporary Okinawan studio craftsmanship.

Okinawan Glassmaking & Takumi Kōbō

Ryukyu glass developed into a distinctive Okinawan craft tradition during the postwar period, incorporating techniques and materials that evolved within the island's unique cultural and industrial environment. Takumi Kōbō continues this tradition through hand-shaped glassware inspired by Okinawa's natural environment, particularly its seas, colors, landscapes, and coastal atmosphere. The studio's official materials describe its approach as combining the colors of Okinawan nature with inherited handcraft techniques. The studio operates in Okinawa with its main workshop in Ishikawa, Uruma City, and a retail location in Fuchaku, Onna Village.

The Takumi Kōbō Craft Tradition The Chūfuki technique involves gathering molten glass onto a blowpipe and shaping the material by blowing and rotating it while it remains free from a rigid mold. This process allows the glassmaker to control form, color distribution, movement, and surface character by hand. The result is an inherent individuality: variations in color movement, bubble placement, thickness, and surface character are part of the handmade nature of the work.

Deep Ocean Swirl Composition

The visual character of this Earth Edition is defined by its layered blue-and-white composition.

Cobalt & Lapis Color Movement: Deep blue tones move through the body of the cup in sweeping, irregular patterns, creating a sense of depth reminiscent of Okinawa's offshore waters.

White Wave Accents: Luminous white elements interrupt the darker blue field, producing a visual contrast evocative of breaking waves and sea foam.

Bubble Detail: Small bubbles within the glass interact with surrounding color and light, creating additional dimensionality when the vessel is viewed from different angles.

Sculptural Rock-Cup Form: The rounded body and slightly flared opening give the piece a substantial, tactile silhouette. It can function as a drinking vessel while also presenting naturally as a small studio-glass sculpture.

Premium Highlights

1. Takumi Kōbō Studio: Okinawan Ryukyu glass studio with a longstanding focus on hand-crafted glassware.
2. Traditional Chūfuki Technique: Free-mouth hand-blown glass shaped through direct manipulation of molten glass.
3. Earth Edition: Deep oceanic blue and white composition with individual color movement.
4. Ocean-Inspired Palette: Cobalt, lapis, deep blue, and sea-foam white.
5. Bubble Detail: Individual bubble formations contribute to the depth and character of the glass.
6. Studio Mark: Identifying mark impressed into the glass base.
7. Direct Okinawan Provenance: Acquired through the originating Takumi Kōbō studio/store.
8. One-of-a-Kind Visual Character: Hand-blown construction means the precise arrangement of color and bubbles is individual to this vessel.

Artist & Studio Documentation

Artist attribution: Takumi Matsumuro (松室 巧), if identified by the accompanying studio documentation and physical marking supplied with this piece.

For the online listing, the strongest supporting evidence should be presented alongside the product:

1. Photograph of the identifying mark on the base
2. Photograph of the complete vessel
3. Photograph showing the piece at the originating studio/store, if available
4. Any artist or studio documentation accompanying the work
5. Purchase documentation from the studio/store, where available

The studio mark should be described as an identifying artisan/studio mark, rather than as independent third-party authentication, unless a formal authentication document exists.

Curator's Note

The appeal of this Earth Edition lies in its movement. The deep blue body does not present as a static field of color. Instead, the swirling composition creates the impression of currents moving beneath the surface of the Okinawan sea, while the lighter elements introduce the visual energy of foam and reflected light.

The substantial rock-cup form further strengthens the piece's sculptural character. In the hand, it retains the functionality of traditional glassware; on a shelf, bar, dining table, or collector's display, it reads equally well as a contemporary work of Okinawan studio glass. Its handmade construction means that the exact combination of color movement, bubbles, and glass thickness belongs specifically to this individual vessel.

Specifications

Note: Exact dimensions and weight should be entered from the physical piece rather than estimated from photographs.

Authenticity & Provenance

This piece is offered with provenance based on its direct acquisition through Takumi Kōbō, together with the identifying mark present on the glass. Xandre Store will include available photographic and documentary evidence with the online listing to provide collectors with a transparent record of the piece's origin. Where artist attribution is based on the physical mark and studio documentation, Xandre Store will describe the work as attributed to the named artisan rather than representing the mark alone as a formal independent authentication certificate.

Care Instructions

1. Hand wash gently with lukewarm water and mild dish soap.
2. Use a soft sponge or cloth.
3. Avoid abrasive cleaners and scrubbers.
4. Do not place in a dishwasher.
5. Do not use in a microwave or freezer.
6. Avoid sudden temperature changes or thermal shock.
7. Do not pour boiling liquids directly into the vessel.
8. Store or display on a stable, padded surface.

Because handmade Ryukyu glass may contain intentional bubbles and variations in thickness, careful handling is recommended.

Shipping & International Delivery

Japan: The piece will be carefully packaged using protective cushioning and appropriate double-box protection for glassware.

International: International shipping can be arranged with protective packaging and appropriate carrier handling.

International buyers are responsible for any customs duties, import taxes, VAT/GST, brokerage fees, or other charges imposed by the destination country. For particularly valuable or fragile pieces, specialized insured courier arrangements may be available upon request.