– Uranium glass (vaseline glass) with characteristic fluorescence under UV light – Kakiage (pulled thread) surface technique with red rim accent – Meiji-Taisho period craftsmanship – Ice cup (kōri koppu) form reflecting Japan's modernisation era, approximately 1868–1926 Summary: This striking ice cup represents Japanese uranium glass production during the Meiji-Taisho period, when Western glassmaking techniques merged with Japanese aesthetic sensibilities. Uranium glass—also called vaseline glass for its characteristic yellow-green colour—contains uranium oxide that fluoresces brilliantly under ultraviolet light. The cup features kakiage (pulled thread) surface decoration and a red rim accent, demonstrating technical sophistication and Art Nouveau influence. Ice cups (kōri koppu) became fashionable in modernising Japan as Western dining customs and refrigeration technology spread during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This piece reflects that cultural transformation—traditional Japanese craftsmanship applied to newly adopted Western forms and materials. Few collectibles perform quite like uranium glass. In daylight, this cup presents subtle elegance—milky translucence with delicate surface texture. Under UV light, it transforms entirely, glowing vivid green with otherworldly intensity. This dual nature makes uranium glass endlessly fascinating to collectors and conversation-provoking in display contexts. Japanese glassmaking modernised rapidly during Meiji as the country opened to Western trade and technology. European glassblowers were invited to teach techniques, whilst Japanese craftsmen travelled abroad studying industrial methods. The result was a hybrid aesthetic—Western forms and chemistry combined with Japanese decorative sensibilities emphasising restraint, natural motifs, and surface refinement. Uranium glass production peaked in the early 20th century before radioactivity concerns and wartime uranium restrictions ended civilian use. By the Taisho period (1912–1926), Japanese glass workshops had mastered complex techniques including applied decoration, colour layering, and controlled uranium content for consistent fluorescence. These ice cups emerged during this golden age, when Japan's emerging middle class embraced Western-style entertaining and modern conveniences like ice delivery and home refrigeration. The kakiage technique employed here involves applying molten glass threads to the vessel surface whilst still workable, creating delicate linear patterns that catch light and add tactile interest. The process requires precise timing and temperature control—apply the threads too early and they sink into the body; too late and they fail to fuse properly. The resulting decoration is both visual and haptic, inviting the hand to trace its subtle ridges. The red rim provides colour accent and visual weight, preventing the pale body from appearing washed-out or unfinished. This design choice demonstrates sophisticated understanding of form, proportion, and decorative balance—qualities distinguishing fine glassware from utilitarian production. The rim colour also serves a practical function, defining the drinking edge and adding a jewel-like punctuation to the vessel's profile. The cup itself follows Western tumbler or goblet forms adapted to Japanese proportions—slightly smaller, more delicate, suited to refined entertaining rather than casual use. The walls are thin enough to reveal light passing through, yet substantial enough to feel secure in hand. The base is stable and well-proportioned, allowing the cup to sit without tipping despite its relatively tall profile. When filled with liquid, the uranium glass creates fascinating optical effects—the pale green tint intensifies, and light refracts through the kakiage threads, casting delicate shadows. In its intended use context, this cup would have held chilled beverages—perhaps lemonade, iced tea, or whisky mizuwari (whisky with water and ice), a drink that became popular in Taisho-era Japan. The uranium content is minimal and poses no health risk; modern testing consistently shows radiation levels well below safety thresholds, even with direct contact. In contemporary interiors, uranium glass offers unique display possibilities. Place this cup on a glass shelf with UV strip lighting beneath, and it transforms into a glowing focal point—an object that seems to contain its own light source. In natural daylight settings, it provides subtle elegance suited to Scandinavian minimalism, mid-century modern sideboards, or eclectic collections mixing Eastern and Western decorative arts. The piece works beautifully as a standalone sculptural object, displayed empty to emphasise its form and glasswork, or it can return to functional use as a small vase for a single stem or a drinking vessel for special occasions. Collectors of Art Nouveau glass, Japanese modernisation-era artefacts, or simply unusual decorative objects with scientific interest will find uranium glass an accessible niche with strong visual payoff and historical depth. This cup bridges craft tradition and industrial modernity, Eastern and Western aesthetics, utility and pure decoration—intersections that define much of Japanese material culture from this transformative period. The fact that it glows under UV light is not merely a novelty; it's a tangible reminder of early 20th-century experimentation with materials that were then poorly understood but eagerly embraced for their beauty. Shipping & Handling We ship worldwide via DHL or EMS with full insurance and tracking. Professional packing ensures safe arrival; combined shipping available for multiple wins. Local customs duties are the buyer's responsibility. Seller Guarantee We specialise in authentic Japanese glass and guarantee this piece's authenticity. Questions welcome – we reply within 24 hours.