Posted 3 years ago
racer4four
(620 items)
Japanese glass artists have always been influenced by the art of pottery and the surface finish of this vase by Itoko Iwata is very pottery like.
The berry colour base glass has had a very fine surface applied that is a mix of a darker maroon, and possibly some black so there is a visual and physical texture to the vase. The cloudy rim with applied gold pulls the eye up the vase. It's slight unevenness used to worry me but I now accept it as a personal record of the artist's work. The vase has been sand blasted for a matte finish which adds to it's surface feel and look.
The vase is around 27cm tall and is unsigned, typical of most Iwata pieces. Itoko Iwata continued exhibiting new glass until her death in 2008 and by the box I believe this piece to date to around 1990.
I've also included a photo of some fungi growing in the bush near my house. It's so cool how it grows not just on the stump but also follows the root lines.
Gorgeous serene vase, the gradient berry color is so soothing. Cool flowering fungi
Thanks Jenni. Glad the vase is zen for you!
I wish I knew more about fungi, it’s fascinating the different types there are. Time for study!
Beautiful vase Karen! I love the cool fungi pic!
I really like how the artist handled the top of the piece. It must be so tempting to make something perfectly proportional instead of embracing wabi sabi. At least it would be for me (Ha ha). Glad to hear that you are no longer lying in bed at night with the blankets clutched to your chin, staring up at the ceiling and fretting over the unevenness of this piece.
Did it come with a wooden tomobako or a cardboard presentation box. Curious because I would like to see Iwata Itoko's mark.....
Interesting fungi....
Thanks Scott for your love and comment.
Lol Kevin, not too many sleepless nights and I agree the acceptance of wabi sabi takes time!
It came in a quality cardboard box with cloth but no bookmark. I have not found any Itoko pieces in a tomobako and I have no marks on any of my Itoko pieces although I am certain all are hers from my research.
Thanks Eileen! It's a feminine vase I think.
You are clearly more knowledgeable about fungi than I. We get many wonderful ones around here but unlike you, I wouldn't pick and eat them. I just don't know!