– Son of celebrated glass artist Kunio Uchida; trained in traditional pâte de verre technique – Myōga (Japanese ginger) pattern rendered in translucent coloured glass with botanical precision – Pedestal sake cup approximately 9.5 cm diameter × 15 cm height; elegant proportions for ceremonial use Summary: This is a pâte de verre sake cup by Kunitarō Uchida, son of renowned Japanese glass artist Kunio Uchida. The piece features a myōga (Japanese ginger) pattern executed in delicate coloured glass using the pâte de verre technique—a laborious process involving finely ground glass paste fired in a mould. Uchida's work bridges traditional Japanese botanical motifs with Western glass art methods introduced to Japan in the early twentieth century. The cup's raised foot and transparent walls allow light to illuminate the embedded pattern, creating subtle shifts in colour depending on viewing angle. A well-preserved example of modern Japanese studio glass from an artist continuing his father's legacy. Pâte de verre—literally "glass paste"—arrived in Japan during the Meiji period as part of the nation's enthusiastic embrace of European decorative arts. Unlike blown glass, the technique requires grinding glass into fine powder, mixing it with a binding agent, pressing it into a mould, and firing it at precise temperatures. The result is a matte, slightly granular surface with depth and luminosity impossible to achieve through other methods. Japanese artists adapted the technique to render traditional motifs: cherry blossoms, autumn grasses, seasonal vegetables. Myōga, the subject of this cup, holds particular cultural resonance—its name is a homophone for "divine protection," making it a favourite motif for ceremonial objects. Kunitarō Uchida inherited not only his father's technical skills but also his aesthetic sensibility. Kunio Uchida established himself as one of Japan's foremost studio glass artists in the latter half of the twentieth century, exhibiting widely and mentoring a generation of craftsmen. Kunitarō's work demonstrates the same meticulous attention to botanical accuracy and colour balance. This sake cup, with its ginger motif, is rendered in soft shades of green, cream, and pale pink—colours drawn directly from the living plant. The translucency of pâte de verre means the pattern appears to float within the glass itself, rather than resting on the surface. The cup's form follows the classical pedestal sake cup (sakazuki) shape: wide mouth, shallow bowl, tall stem. This design allows the drinker to appreciate the liquid's clarity whilst the elevated base provides stability and visual elegance. In contemporary settings, such a piece transcends its functional origins. Displayed on a simple wooden stand against a neutral wall, it becomes a study in light and colour. The myōga pattern—bold yet restrained—suits both minimalist Scandinavian interiors and more traditional Japanese-inspired rooms. Under natural daylight, the greens glow softly; under warm artificial light, the creams and pinks come forward. Japanese studio glass occupies a unique position in the global craft landscape. Whilst Western studio glass often emphasises experimentation and abstraction, Japanese makers tend towards refinement and restraint. They honour centuries-old motifs whilst employing twentieth-century techniques. This cup embodies that synthesis: a traditional botanical subject rendered in a European method, executed by an artist trained in both traditions. For collectors of Japanese craft or studio glass, it represents a bridge between worlds—a functional object elevated to art, a modern technique in service of timeless 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. 1242