Iwata Glass was founded in Tokyo in 1931 by Toshichi Iwata, an artist widely recognised as the founding father of modern Japanese art glass. Prior to his work, glass in Japan was largely viewed as a utilitarian material or limited to Western-style cut glassware. Iwata transformed the medium by pioneering free-blowing techniques and incorporating vibrant colours, creating pieces that reflected traditional Japanese aesthetics and primitive forms rather than simply imitating foreign styles. This innovative approach elevated glass to a fine art, a status cemented when Iwata became the first glass artist to consistently win prestigious national art exhibitions in Japan, helping to establish the medium's artistic credibility nationwide.
The company operated with a dual focus: producing commercial factory pieces alongside unique, individual studio artworks. Works bearing the official Iwata Glass Company label were typically handcrafted by factory artisans based on original designs created by members of the Iwata family. In contrast, Toshichi’s personal studio pieces were not labelled or signed; they were instead authenticated by a custom wooden box, or tomobako, which he crafted and sealed himself. The family legacy was continued by his son Hisatoshi and daughter-in-law Itoko, who further refined the studio's global reputation for exceptional colour and craftsmanship.
THIS LISTING
Production 1960/70s
Model Vase
Colour Pink, with Silver leaf
Dimensions 27.5cm (11") tall, 13cm diameter
Condition Excellent condition with no wear that we can see.
