Description

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

Discover a distinctive expression of contemporary Okinawan glassmaking through this hand-blown glass cup by Ayumu Inamine (稲嶺 歩夢), an emerging third-generation glass artist of the Inamine family. Acquired directly from the family studio shop in Yomitan Pottery Village (やちむんの里), this striking vessel features a luminous golden bubble-foam texture that captures and scatters light across the glass. A bold, raised swirl of deep cobalt-blue glass wraps around the body, creating a dramatic contrast between the warm, textured surface and cool, flowing color. The combination of 泡ガラス (bubble glass) texture and sculptural colored glass gives the cup a substantial, organic presence while preserving the individual character of traditional Okinawan mouth-blown glass.

Ayumu Inamine: A Third-Generation Okinawan Glassmaking Tradition

Ayumu Inamine (稲嶺 歩夢) represents the emerging generation of the Inamine family’s influential Okinawan glassmaking tradition. He is the son of Seiichiro Inamine (稲嶺 盛一郎) and grandson of Seikichi Inamine (稲嶺 盛吉), connecting his work to a family lineage deeply associated with the development of contemporary Ryukyu glass. His grandfather, Seikichi Inamine, became widely recognized for innovative approaches to Okinawan glassmaking, including distinctive organic textures, bubble effects, and experimental materials. He was also recognized as a Contemporary Master Craftsman (現代の名工). His father, Seiichiro Inamine, is likewise an established Okinawan glass artist and associated with Chu-Fuki Glass Studio “Niji” (宙吹ガラス工房「虹」) in Yomitan Village. Working within this multigenerational studio environment, Ayumu Inamine continues the family’s relationship with traditional 宙吹き (chūfuki) glassblowing while developing his own contemporary visual language.

Highlights

1. Third-Generation Glass Artist: Created by Ayumu Inamine (稲嶺 歩夢), son of Seiichiro Inamine and grandson of Seikichi Inamine.
2. Direct Family Studio Provenance: Acquired directly from the family studio shop in Yomitan Pottery Village.
3. Distinctive Inamine Lineage: Connects the work to a multigenerational Okinawan glassmaking family with an important role in contemporary Ryukyu glass.
4. Luminous Bubble-Foam Texture: Dense bubble formations create a richly tactile surface that refracts and diffuses light.
5. Sculptural Cobalt Swirl: A substantial raised ribbon of deep cobalt-blue glass sweeps around the vessel, providing dramatic contrast and a tactile point of contact.
6. Traditional Chūfuki Craftsmanship: Produced using the Okinawan tradition of individually mouth-blown glass.
7. Contemporary Collectible: An appealing example of the younger generation carrying Okinawan glassmaking into contemporary studio craft.

Curator’s Note

The character of this cup comes from the contrast between its luminous textured body and bold cobalt-blue glass ribbon. The golden bubble surface creates hundreds of tiny variations in light, giving the vessel an almost effervescent quality. The deep blue swirl then cuts through the warm palette with a strong visual accent, emphasizing the movement of the hand-shaped glass.

The piece also has particular significance within the context of the Inamine family tradition. Rather than simply reproducing an established style, Ayumu Inamine represents the next generation of an Okinawan glassmaking lineage, bringing a youthful contemporary sensibility to techniques associated with his family’s work. Direct acquisition from the family studio in Yomitan adds an important element of provenance, connecting the object not only to Okinawan glassmaking heritage but to the place where that tradition continues to evolve.

Specifications

1. Artist: Ayumu Inamine (稲嶺 歩夢)
2. Family Studio: Chu-Fuki Glass Studio “Niji” (宙吹ガラス工房「虹」)
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. Glass Treatment: Bubble Glass (泡ガラス)
8. Material: Hand-blown glass with bubble-textured surface and cobalt-blue glass accent
9. Color Palette: Luminous golden champagne, warm amber tones, deep cobalt blue
10. Provenance: Directly acquired from the family studio shop in Yomitan Pottery Village

Care Instructions

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

1. Wash gently by hand using lukewarm water and mild dish soap.
2. Avoid abrasive sponges, brushes, or 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 cobalt glass ribbon carefully during washing and drying.

Shipping & International Orders

Domestic shipping within Japan is available with protective packaging specifically selected for delicate studio 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.

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