Item Description This is an exquisite hand-blown glass ashtray with gold decoration created by Fujita Kyohei, one of Japan's most celebrated glass artists and the first glass craftsman to receive the Order of Culture. This piece showcases Fujita's masterful technique of incorporating gold leaf into colored glass, creating a luminous and sophisticated aesthetic that bridges traditional Japanese artistry with modern glass craftsmanship. The ashtray measures 16cm in diameter and demonstrates the exceptional quality of hand-blown glass work that Fujita perfected throughout his distinguished career. The piece comes with its original signed wooden box (tomobako), confirming its authenticity and provenance. The golden accents embedded within the glass create a warm, radiant glow characteristic of Fujita's renowned style, often described as "contemporary Rinpa" for its elegant fusion of classical Japanese beauty with innovative glass techniques. This piece represents an important period in Japanese studio glass art, created by an artist whose works are held in prestigious collections worldwide, including the dedicated Fujita Kyohei Glass Museum in Matsushima. Size Height: 13 cm Width: 16 cm Depth: 16 cm Weight 2069 g / 2.07 kg Condition The piece shows minor signs of age with slight surface wear consistent with its vintage. Overall in good condition with original box. Artist Profile Fujita Kyohei (1921-2004) was born in Tokyo and graduated from Tokyo School of Fine Arts (now Tokyo University of the Arts), where he initially studied metalwork before dedicating himself to glass art. He revolutionized Japanese glass craft by incorporating traditional Japanese aesthetics into contemporary glass techniques, particularly his signature "Kazaribako" (decorative boxes) that combined colored glass with gold and platinum leaf. Fujita studied traditional Venetian glassmaking techniques in Murano, Italy, and developed his distinctive "Canna pattern" series that gained international acclaim. His works are characterized by their vibrant colors, flowing forms, and the integration of precious metals within glass, creating pieces that shimmer with inner light. Throughout his career, Fujita received Japan's highest artistic honors, including membership in the Japan Art Academy (1989), designation as Person of Cultural Merit (1997), and the Order of Culture (2002), becoming the first glass artist to receive this prestigious award. His legacy continues through the Fujita Kyohei Glass Museum in Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, which houses his extensive body of work. 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.