Ryukyu Glass is a traditional glass handicraft, made in Okinawa prefecture, Japan.

Ryukyu Glass started from postwar days. At that time, because of shortage in glass materials, craftsmen used varieties of waste glass like bottles of Coca-Cola thrown out from U.S. bases.

Using reproduction glass, by any means bubbles are contained into their works. Usually, glass crafts that contain bubbles are regarded as defective wares. However, craftsmen of Ryukyu Glass use bubbles as an underhanded way, and take advantage of them in thier design.

Bubbles in Ryukyu Glass seem like bubbles in the beautiful sea of Okinawa islands. Nowadays, they succeeded in making colorful and warm glass handicrafts fitting exotic atmosphere of southern lands.

Some of craftsmen developed their skills and values, and their works could be called works of the art. We recommend the official site of Okinawa prefecture. In the site, three artists of Ryukyu Glass are introduced and their works are displayed.

Among them, Mr. Seikichi Inamine makes works of mixing glass and clay. It is very interesting. His works may remind you of ancient marbles, or unvarnished taste of japanese potteries.

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