Japanese Edo Period Glass Tokkuri Vase – Deep Indigo Blue, Late Edo

Introduction

In the world of Japanese antiques, glass objects from the Edo period are exceptionally rare. This hand-blown Edo-period glass tokkuri (sake bottle) showcases a breathtaking indigo hue that captures both elegance and mystery. A testament to Japan’s fascination with imported glass techniques, it remains a valuable survivor from the late Edo era.

The Story Behind This Piece

Glassmaking was introduced to Japan through trade with the Dutch in Nagasaki during the 16th and 17th centuries. By the late Edo period, glassware had become a fascination among Japanese artisans and collectors. Many Edo glass vessels were inspired by Western medicine bottles, adapted into Japanese forms such as flasks, vases, and sake bottles.
This particular tokkuri reflects that cultural exchange. Its form, while simple, embodies the curiosity and artistry of Edo-period craftsmen experimenting with foreign techniques while embedding them within traditional Japanese aesthetics.

Charm and Highlights of the Item

The most striking feature of this bottle is its deep cobalt indigo coloration, a shade associated with elegance, depth, and mystery in Japanese aesthetics. The subtle variations in tone, caused by the hand-blown technique, give the piece a living quality that industrial glassware could never replicate.
Unlike ceramics, Edo glass is far more fragile, making intact pieces like this exceedingly rare. The bottle retains a refined silhouette, with graceful curves and a slightly uneven surface—hallmarks of Edo-period craftsmanship.

Value for Overseas Collectors

For international collectors, Edo-period glass offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s engagement with foreign influence during a time of limited contact with the outside world. Authentic Edo glass bottles are scarce, as many were lost, broken, or recycled.
This indigo tokkuri is therefore not just a beautiful artifact, but also a valuable document of cultural adaptation and artistic innovation. Collectors of Japanese antiques, early glass, or cross-cultural art will find this piece particularly meaningful.

Conclusion

This late Edo-period indigo glass tokkuri is a rare and elegant example of Japan’s early glassmaking tradition. With its luminous blue color and hand-crafted form, it embodies both historical significance and timeless beauty.

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