This red-and-white blown glass vase with pleated surface decoration is the work of Iwata Toshichi (1893–1980), a seminal figure in the emergence of modern Japanese art glass who not only helped research and revive ancient Japanese glass techniques, but also blended Western glassmaking techniques with Japanese sensibilities of color and form. It comes enclosed in the original signed wooden box titled Fuki Garasu Kohaku Hidatsuki Kabin wrapped in a silk cloth upon which is repeated the title followed by: “On June 28, Showa 12 (1937), upon the occasion of Her Majesty the Empress Dowager’s visit an identical vase of this type was presented as an offering to the Chuguiji Monzeki,. Another was subsequently bestowed upon a senior member of the imperial floral school. Artist: Iwata Toshichi; Recipient: Tajima Koho.” The import of these imperial gifts is indicative of the stature of Iwata’s workshop at a time when glass was increasingly recognized not only as an industrial material but as a medium of fine craft. One of the presentation vases from this offering was conferred as an imperial bestowal upon a senior figure within the court floral tradition; the present example was received by Tajima Koho, marking its connection to both imperial patronage and court ceremonial culture. As an early imperial commission, it represents a rare and historically significant early work by Iwata, demonstrating the refinement and prestige associated with Japanese studio glass on the eve of the postwar craft renaissance. The vase is 13.5 cm (5-1/2 inches) diameter, 32 cm (13 inches) tall and in excellent condition.
Iwata Toshichi (1893-1980) is considered to be the founding father of Modern glass making in Japan. He graduated the Tokyo School of Fine Arts, metal-craft department, in 1918, then proceeded to garner a BA in Western (Oil) Painting in 1923 before moving to study glass under Imamura Shigezo at the Tachibana Glass Factory. He would exhibit his works with the Nitten National Exhibition both before and after the Second World War, serving as a judge there later in life. He received the Japan Art Academy Prize in 1951. In 1972 he established the Japan Glass Art and Crafts Association. He was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure in 1980 by the Emporer for his lifetime of devotion to the arts. Many of his works have been collected by the The National Museums of Modern Art, both Tokyo and Kyoto, and several pieces are held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art New York among many others.
