Posted 7 years ago
artfoot
(367 items)
By the 1960s, the Japanese economy was in full recovery mode and the world was clamoring for affordable doodads. It was an ideal opportunity. The Japanese glass makers dug in with typical Japanese diligence. Still, style was often dictated by the major importers and the glass makers willingly complied. The exported glass of that era is often found with importer labels but seems to have been rarely marked otherwise.
1 - Clear-cased green over white "handkerchief" vase, 16.5 cm (6 1/2"), Kreiss import label.
2 - Clear-cased marbleized red flaring vase, 16 cm (6 1/4"), Lefton import label.
3 - Clear-cased spattered blue solifleur vase, 26 cm (10 1/4"), import label reads "A Quality Product - Japan" - this is typical of the myriad of importer labels that can be found. Also found occasionally is the generic JAPAN paper label.
4 - Opaque white swirling bands with transparent colored glass vases, violet 18 cm (7"), green 20.3 cm (8"), unmarked - this swirling bands decor is usually recognized as made by Multi Glass but was also made by Hokuyu and Kamei.
By the 1970s, the Japanese economy had fully recovered and their confidence was reflected in the exported glass ware. The designs became less derivative and more self-assured. The labels often displayed an identification of the maker. I recommend viewing the collections of racer4four posted here (on CW) for much more info and pictures of the '70s and beyond Japanese glass.
Wonderful! I especially love the red flaring vase with the clear top.
Gorgeous photos and great post.
I have similar vases here and am working on attribution.
Just a note on photo 4: Kamei did not make glass, just wholesaled it. Their glass in this style although labeled Kamei, was actually made by Hokuyo.
Thank you Karen for that clarification. I'm still learning the names. I think that because of the way trade developed with Japan, glass ware (and everything else) was (and likely still is) sold "Yokohama style" through distributors. Separating the names is a learning process.