Hitomi Ishikawa – Giyama “Shisai Hamōn” Glass Tea Bowl with Original Signed Box and Cloth - Chawan - Glass

Please Note:
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Description:

About Hitomi Ishikawa (石川瞳):
Hitomi Ishikawa is a contemporary Japanese glass artist known for her refined technique in creating layered and delicately colored glass vessels. Her works emphasize harmony between form, light, and transparency, often incorporating traditional Japanese motifs expressed through modern glass craftsmanship. Ishikawa’s pieces are admired for their precision, elegant color gradients, and their ability to evoke the quiet beauty of nature.

What Is Giyama (義山)?
“Giyama” refers to a traditional Japanese glass-cutting and carving technique similar to Edo Kiriko, but often characterized by engraving, frosted layers, and softly polished designs, rather than deep faceting.
In modern glass art, “Giyama” also describes works where motifs are expressed through overlay glass (kise glass) that is selectively carved to reveal contrasting colors beneath.
This bowl uses delicate carving to reveal the leaf patterns, exemplifying the artistry of contemporary Giyama craftsmanship.

What Is “Shisai Hamōn” (紫彩葉文)?
“Shisai Hamōn” literally translates to “purple-colored leaf design.”
This technique involves applying a thin layer of colored glass—here in a subtle and elegant purple—followed by engraving to create refined botanical motifs.
The resulting imagery is soft yet vivid, with the purple tones contrasting beautifully against the frosted and translucent glass body. The leaf designs appear almost like silhouettes floating within mist.

About This Tea Bowl:
This is a glass chawan, a highly unusual and striking interpretation of the traditional Japanese tea bowl.
Glass tea bowls are far less common than ceramic or porcelain examples, and they offer a completely different visual and tactile experience.

This piece features:
Beautiful purple overlay glass engraved to form leaf silhouettes

A soft, frosted base with a mist-like visual effect

A graceful outward-curving rim typical of modern glass chawans

Exceptional transparency and depth when viewed under light

Artist seal on the base

Original signed wooden box (tomobako) and cloth (tomokire) included

Dating:
Based on the signature style, box inscription, and contemporary glass production methods, this work is estimated to be from the late Heisei to early Reiwa period (1990s–2020s). It is a modern piece created with high-level glass craftsmanship.

Rarity of Glass Chawan:
Glass tea bowls are not traditional in the tea ceremony, which makes contemporary glass chawans particularly appealing to collectors. Their clarity, optical depth, and the play of light make them ideal for display.
This example is especially rare due to the combination of:

Giyama carving technique

Purple overlay glass

Delicate botanical motif

Artist-made signed box

Such pieces are produced in small numbers and are increasingly sought after by collectors of modern Japanese glass art.

Expert’s Insight:
This tea bowl beautifully merges traditional Japanese design with modern glass artistry. The elegant purple overlay, carved leaf motifs, and frosted gradients demonstrate excellent technical control. The piece feels both contemporary and classically Japanese—an exceptional example of modern Giyama work. The inclusion of the original signed box and cloth further enhances its value and collectability. For those seeking a visually striking and refined contemporary chawan, this is an outstanding choice.

Antique/Vintage Notice:
This is a vintage item. Please note that it may show natural signs of age, such as minor wear, slight discoloration, or subtle imperfections. These characteristics are part of its history and enhance its authenticity.

Shipping & Handling:
We ship worldwide from Japan using insured and trackable services. All items are professionally packed to ensure safe delivery. Import duties or customs fees are the buyer’s responsibility. Delivery may take time depending on your location. Feel free to reach out with any questions.