Item Description This exquisite glass paperweight titled "Flower" is a masterwork by Kuniaki Kuroki (1945-), one of Japan's most celebrated glass artisans and the first recipient of the "Contemporary Master Craftsman" designation in the glass craft field. The oval-shaped piece captures the ethereal beauty of delicate flowers suspended within crystal-clear glass, demonstrating Kuroki's signature technique of fusing traditional Japanese aesthetic sensibilities with Western glass craftsmanship. Kuroki's work is renowned for incorporating the spirit of Rinpa school art and Japanese decorative beauty into glass medium. This particular piece showcases intricate floral motifs that appear to float weightlessly within the glass, creating a mesmerizing three-dimensional effect. The craftsmanship reflects Kuroki's dedication to preserving Japanese cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of contemporary glass art. The transparent quality of the glass allows light to interact with the internal patterns, producing different visual effects depending on the viewing angle and lighting conditions. As a functional art object, this paperweight serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. Kuroki established his workshop in Aya Town, Miyazaki Prefecture in 1989, where he continues to create works that have garnered international acclaim, including the Grand Prix at the Paris Art Festival (1995) and the Rome Grand Prize at the International Art Exhibition (1996). This piece exemplifies the high level of technical mastery and artistic vision that earned him recognition as a "Contemporary Master Craftsman" by the Japanese government in 1991. Size Height: 7 cm Width: 5.5 cm Depth: 5.5 cm Weight 327 g Condition This vintage piece shows signs of age-appropriate wear consistent with a previously owned item. Some minor surface marks and traces of use are present. Artist Profile Kuniaki Kuroki (1945-) is a pioneering Japanese glass artist who has devoted over 60 years to the craft. Born in Miyazaki Prefecture, Kuroki moved to Tokyo immediately after high school graduation in 1963 to work at Yamaya Glass Industry. Captivated by the beauty of glass, he dedicated himself to mastering the craft, studying design independently while working full-time at the factory. In 1991, Kuroki became the first glass craftsman to receive the prestigious national designation of "Contemporary Master Craftsman," recognizing his exceptional technical expertise. His artistic philosophy centers on expressing Japanese beauty through the Western medium of glass, particularly drawing inspiration from the Rinpa school of art, exemplified by the works of Ogata Korin. Kuroki successfully restored the lost art of Satsuma Kiriko cut glass in 1985 and later developed "Aya Kiriko," a contemporary cut glass style recognized as a traditional craft of Miyazaki Prefecture in 2025. Kuroki established Glass Art Kuroki workshop in Aya Town, Miyazaki, in 1989, where he creates works combining multiple traditional techniques including blown glass, cut glass (kiriko), and pâte de verre. His works have been exhibited and collected internationally, earning numerous accolades including the Grand Prix at the Paris Art Festival (1995) and the Rome Grand Prize (1996). He is a distinguished member of the Japan Glass Art Association and serves on the board of the Japan Glass Art Society. NOITICE : The lot will be carefully packaged and sent by Japan Post, DHL or FedEx depend on the situation. It takes about 3 weeks to receive normally. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Sometimes Customes or delivery company in your country contact you for Customs clearance via phone or email. Please make sure that you could answer the phone. If you don't, the parcel will return to me and it cost more double shipping fee for reshipping. I appreciate your cooperation.