Xandre Store Exclusive - A monumental contemporary Ryukyu glass masterwork featuring layered cobalt, emerald, turquoise, and suspended gold foil within a sculptural free-blown form.
Description
This monumental Shima-geshiki (Island Landscape / 島景色) vase by Tsuneo Taira (平良 恒雄) interprets Okinawa’s ocean, reefs, and island light through richly layered studio glass. Its teardrop silhouette combines deep cobalt blue with sweeping emerald and turquoise bands, while suspended gold foil and fine air bubbles create remarkable depth and luminosity.
The lower body evokes deep ocean water illuminated by sunlight, while the flowing upper bands suggest coral reefs and lagoon currents. Each composition is individually formed, making the movement of the colors, gold, and bubbles unique to the vessel.
The vase is accompanied by its original signed paulownia Tomobako (wooden presentation/storage box), adding important collector documentation and presentation value.
Tsuneo Taira - Contemporary Master Craftsman
Born on Irabu Island in 1948, Tsuneo Taira is a major figure in modern Okinawan glassmaking and served as Factory Director at Ryukyu Glass Village. His work is recognized for complex multi-layered color casing (Kikusei) and the integration of gold leaf into Ryukyu studio glass.
Taira was designated a Contemporary Master Craftsman (現代の名工) and received the Prime Minister’s Commendation at the 8th Monodzukuri Nippon Grand Award.
Craft & Technique
- Tradition: Chūfuki (宙吹き) free-form mouth-blown glass
- Casing: Multi-layered colored glass (Kikusei)
- Surface: Smooth multi-cased glass with internal optical depth
- Gold: Suspended gold foil integrated between glass layers
- Detailing: Controlled micro-bubbles and sweeping color movement
- Form: Individually hand-shaped sculptural teardrop vase
- Series: Shima-geshiki (島景色)
- Palette: Cobalt blue, turquoise, emerald green, white, and gold
The combination of layered casing, gold foil, and bubble suspension gives the piece its distinctive three-dimensional character.
Collector Presentation
Designed as a statement work of contemporary Okinawan studio glass, this piece is suited to:
- Fine-art and studio-glass collections
- Luxury residential interiors
- Executive and architectural spaces
- Curated hospitality environments
- Gallery-style displays
Focused lighting can further reveal the internal gold foil, bubbles, and translucent color layers.
Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
| Artist | Tsuneo Taira (平良 恒雄) |
| Recognition | Contemporary Master Craftsman (現代の名工) |
| Studio Tradition | Ryukyu Glass Village (琉球ガラス村) |
| Origin | Itoman / Irabu Island, Okinawa |
| Series | Shima-geshiki (Island Landscape / 島景色) |
| Technique | Chūfuki free-form mouth-blown cased glass |
| Materials | Layered colored glass, gold foil, air-bubble effects |
| Colors | Cobalt blue, turquoise, emerald green, gold |
| Height | Approx. 32–36 cm |
| Maximum Diameter | Approx. 16–18 cm |
| Opening Diameter | Approx. 3.5–5 cm |
| Base Diameter | Approx. 9–11 cm |
| Weight | Approx. 3,500–4,500 g |
| Packaging | Original signed paulownia Tomobako |
| Condition | New / unused studio exhibition condition |
Dimensions supplied are estimated studio proportions; exact measurements should be confirmed against the individual vessel before final publication.
Care
Hand wash gently with lukewarm water and a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasives, harsh chemicals, dishwashers, microwaves, and sudden temperature changes. Always support the vessel from underneath when handling.
Shipping
Specialized impact protection and high-value insured shipping are recommended for domestic delivery. International white-glove shipping can include custom protective packaging for both the vase and Tomobako. International buyers are responsible for applicable customs duties, VAT/GST, import taxes, and clearance fees.
Xandre Store:
Connecting global collectors with the heritage, craftsmanship, and stories behind exceptional Japanese and Okinawan studio art.
Xandre Store Exclusive - A monumental contemporary Ryukyu glass masterwork featuring layered cobalt, emerald, turquoise, and suspended gold foil within a sculptural free-blown form.
Description
This monumental Shima-geshiki (Island Landscape / 島景色) vase by Tsuneo Taira (平良 恒雄) interprets Okinawa’s ocean, reefs, and island light through richly layered studio glass. Its teardrop silhouette combines deep cobalt blue with sweeping emerald and turquoise bands, while suspended gold foil and fine air bubbles create remarkable depth and luminosity.
The lower body evokes deep ocean water illuminated by sunlight, while the flowing upper bands suggest coral reefs and lagoon currents. Each composition is individually formed, making the movement of the colors, gold, and bubbles unique to the vessel.
The vase is accompanied by its original signed paulownia Tomobako (wooden presentation/storage box), adding important collector documentation and presentation value.
Tsuneo Taira - Contemporary Master Craftsman
Born on Irabu Island in 1948, Tsuneo Taira is a major figure in modern Okinawan glassmaking and served as Factory Director at Ryukyu Glass Village. His work is recognized for complex multi-layered color casing (Kikusei) and the integration of gold leaf into Ryukyu studio glass.
Taira was designated a Contemporary Master Craftsman (現代の名工) and received the Prime Minister’s Commendation at the 8th Monodzukuri Nippon Grand Award.
Craft & Technique
- Tradition: Chūfuki (宙吹き) free-form mouth-blown glass
- Casing: Multi-layered colored glass (Kikusei)
- Surface: Smooth multi-cased glass with internal optical depth
- Gold: Suspended gold foil integrated between glass layers
- Detailing: Controlled micro-bubbles and sweeping color movement
- Form: Individually hand-shaped sculptural teardrop vase
- Series: Shima-geshiki (島景色)
- Palette: Cobalt blue, turquoise, emerald green, white, and gold
The combination of layered casing, gold foil, and bubble suspension gives the piece its distinctive three-dimensional character.
Collector Presentation
Designed as a statement work of contemporary Okinawan studio glass, this piece is suited to:
- Fine-art and studio-glass collections
- Luxury residential interiors
- Executive and architectural spaces
- Curated hospitality environments
- Gallery-style displays
Focused lighting can further reveal the internal gold foil, bubbles, and translucent color layers.
Specifications
| Attribute | Details |
| Artist | Tsuneo Taira (平良 恒雄) |
| Recognition | Contemporary Master Craftsman (現代の名工) |
| Studio Tradition | Ryukyu Glass Village (琉球ガラス村) |
| Origin | Itoman / Irabu Island, Okinawa |
| Series | Shima-geshiki (Island Landscape / 島景色) |
| Technique | Chūfuki free-form mouth-blown cased glass |
| Materials | Layered colored glass, gold foil, air-bubble effects |
| Colors | Cobalt blue, turquoise, emerald green, gold |
| Height | Approx. 32–36 cm |
| Maximum Diameter | Approx. 16–18 cm |
| Opening Diameter | Approx. 3.5–5 cm |
| Base Diameter | Approx. 9–11 cm |
| Weight | Approx. 3,500–4,500 g |
| Packaging | Original signed paulownia Tomobako |
| Condition | New / unused studio exhibition condition |
Dimensions supplied are estimated studio proportions; exact measurements should be confirmed against the individual vessel before final publication.
Care
Hand wash gently with lukewarm water and a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid abrasives, harsh chemicals, dishwashers, microwaves, and sudden temperature changes. Always support the vessel from underneath when handling.
Shipping
Specialized impact protection and high-value insured shipping are recommended for domestic delivery. International white-glove shipping can include custom protective packaging for both the vase and Tomobako. International buyers are responsible for applicable customs duties, VAT/GST, import taxes, and clearance fees.
Xandre Store:
Connecting global collectors with the heritage, craftsmanship, and stories behind exceptional Japanese and Okinawan studio art.
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