Vintage Kamei Glass | Japanese Art Glass | Pink White Splatter | Flower Vase | Speckled | Mid Century Modern | Hand Blown | Osaka Japan

The Story Behind This Piece:

In the heart of the Chugoku Mountains in northern Hiroshima Prefecture—a region steeped in the history of "Tatara" ironmaking—lies an ancient estate that has stood for generations. In this land, shrouded in mystical mists and buried under deep winter snows, stood a venerable "Kura" (storehouse). From within an old paulownia wood box tucked away under the heavy timber beams of the second floor, this Kamei Glass crimson-mottled flower vase has finally emerged into the sunlight after decades of slumber. This masterpiece was crafted by the renowned Kamei Glass of Osaka during the 1970s (mid-Showa era), a period when Japanese glass artistry achieved unprecedented heights.

The original owner of this vase was the patriarch of a family that flourished through the local forestry industry, living in harmony with the mountains. During the 1970s, as the demand for timber surged, the northern Hiroshima region pulsed with energy. The patriarch often traveled to Osaka and Hiroshima City for business, where he became captivated by the latest modern designs. This vase was acquired during one of those journeys. At the time, Kamei Glass was world-renowned for its vibrant colors and heavy, handmade forms, symbolizing Japan’s rapid economic growth. The owner saw in this vivid "red" the vitality of the mountains budding in spring after a harsh winter, and he cherished it as the centerpiece of his guest room.

However, as the tides of time shifted and lifestyle patterns evolved alongside the regional industrial structure, the family’s way of life gradually changed. Following the patriarch’s passing, this beautiful and striking vase was placed deep within the storehouse—a sanctuary of constant temperature and humidity—as a "family treasure" to be preserved for future generations. For decades, this crimson hue remained unseen, maturing in the silence. During this time, it acquired a quiet dignity that transcends mere industrial glass, embodying the Japanese philosophy of "wabi-sabi"—the beauty found in the passage of time and the natural cycle of growth and decay.

The reason this vase has been brought forth from the storehouse today is the commencement of a project to restore the old folk house ("kominka") and organize the long-standing estate. While rescuing valuable items intended for the next generation from a storehouse facing the threat of demolition, this vase stood out remarkably, almost as if emitting its own light amidst the dust-covered shelves. When held up to the light, the marble pattern of deep red and pure white—reminiscent of a sunset over snowy peaks—tells a story of the fluctuations and strength that only "hand-blown glass" can achieve, a feat impossible for modern mass-produced items.

The greatest allure of this vase lies in its "Mingei" (folk art) value. The sticker on the base still proudly reads "KAMEI GLASS OSAKA," serving as a testament to the Showa era's pure pursuit of beauty. The subtle irregularities on the surface and the minute bubbles trapped within the glass are evidence of a craftsman breathing life into the material before a furnace exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius. Its presence serves as an overwhelming "statement piece" that stands apart from modern minimalism, radiating a unique brilliance in contemporary interiors.

Whether placed in a traditional Japanese farmhouse or a modern minimalist space, this vase instantly commands the atmosphere, offering a sense of historical layering. It is not merely a decorative object; it is a time-transcending art piece that fuses the memories of a family nurtured by Hiroshima’s rugged nature with the passion of Showa craftsmen who dreamed of taking Kamei Glass to the world. This rare product, where the spirit of traditional Japanese "Mingei" meets mid-century modern design, now waits to be rediscovered by those with a contemporary aesthetic eye who understand the essence of true beauty.

Condition & Notes:
Please note before purchasing.
This is a vintage or antique item sold as-is.
Due to age and long-term storage, natural signs of wear and aging may be present, including:
* small scratches or scuffs
* fading or discoloration
* glaze irregularities or imperfections
* crackling (crazing), kiln marks, or gold wear
* slight warping or age-related changes in wooden parts
Vintage and antique items may also carry natural storage-related scents from wood, paper, lacquer, smoke, or long-term preservation environments.
These characteristics are part of the individuality, historical character, and quiet beauty that vintage Japanese items carry.
They are not flaws, but the gentle traces of time.
We kindly ask for your understanding that vintage and antique items differ from newly manufactured products.
We do our best to show all notable details in the photos, but some small imperfections may not be fully visible.
Please review the dimensions carefully before purchasing, as photos may make items appear larger or smaller depending on display settings and shooting conditions.
Please note that colors may appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions and screen settings.
Only the items shown in the photos are included unless otherwise stated.
Display stands, decorative props, or accessories used for photography are not included unless explicitly stated.
Thank you for appreciating the character and spirit of these timeworn pieces.

Dimensions:

Height: 26.5 cm (10.43 in)
Base Diameter: 6.5 cm (2.56 in)
Rim Diameter: 9.3 × 9.3 cm (3.66 × 3.66 in)
Maximum Circumference: 29.8 cm (11.73 in)
Weight: 1730 g (61.03 oz)

Shipping Information:
All items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.
For shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express or UPS with full tracking and insurance.
For all other destinations, orders are shipped via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS depending on the destination and shipping conditions.
Each item is carefully packed with protective materials to ensure safe delivery.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, and customs inspections.
International Buyers – Duties, VAT & Taxes:
Import duties / customs duties are covered by us for all available shipping destinations.
However, VAT, GST, consumption taxes, customs processing fees, carrier handling fees, and other local import-related charges are not included in the item price unless otherwise stated.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
Depending on your country’s regulations, these charges may be collected either by local customs authorities or by the shipping carrier upon delivery.
For many higher-value international orders, VAT/GST and import-related processing charges are commonly collected at the time of delivery.
Please note that free shipping or customs duty coverage does not mean that VAT/GST or local import-related charges are included.
Even when customs duties are covered by us, VAT/GST and local import-related charges may still be payable separately by the buyer upon delivery.
We do not mark items as gifts or under-declare their value for customs purposes.
Please ensure that your shipping address and contact information are accurate and complete.
If a package is returned due to an incorrect address, unpaid VAT/GST or import-related charges, refusal, or failed delivery, all return and reshipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility.
International deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures or local postal conditions.

Damage During Shipping:
In the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 10 days of delivery and provide clear photos of:
* the damaged item
* the outer shipping box
* the inside packaging condition
* the shipping label
Please keep all packaging materials and damaged items until the shipping carrier completes the investigation.
Minor imperfections consistent with the nature of vintage or antique items are not considered shipping damage.

Returns & Refunds:
All items are vintage or antique and sold as-is.
Due to the nature of vintage and antique items, we generally do not accept returns, cancellations, or refunds except where required by law or covered by shipping insurance.
Returns or refunds are not accepted for reasons such as:
* change of mind
* customs delays
* minor differences in condition
* color differences
* texture variations
* size impression differences
* natural signs of age and wear
However, if severe loss or damage during shipping is officially confirmed by the carrier’s insurance, we will respond within the scope of the insurance coverage.
For customers in the UK and EU, applicable consumer protection laws and cooling-off rights will take precedence where required by law.

Safety & Usage:
These items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.
They are not toys and are not suitable for direct food use.
Vintage ceramics may contain historical materials or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.
We cannot guarantee suitability for modern food, beverage, dishwasher, microwave, oven, or direct cooking use.
Please enjoy them as decorative objects that bring quiet beauty and history into your space.
Handle with care and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or heat.

Liability Disclaimer:
We cannot be held responsible for any accidents, damage, allergic reactions, injury, loss, or issues resulting from the use, handling, aging, restoration, transportation, or storage of vintage or antique items.
All products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles, and customers are responsible for proper handling, display, usage, and storage.
By completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Additional Notes by Region:
■ United States
State taxes, such as Sales Tax, may be collected according to local regulations.
California Proposition 65:
Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, or antique finishes. This notice is provided for informational purposes only.
■ European Union (EU)
Our shop is not registered for IOSS or EU VAT collection.
Import VAT, customs processing fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges may be collected upon delivery according to local regulations.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
■ United Kingdom
Our shop is not registered for UK VAT collection.
Import VAT and related charges may be collected upon delivery.
The buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes.
■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand
Import VAT/GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.
For Taiwan:
Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.
■ Hong Kong
Hong Kong currently does not generally impose VAT/GST on imported goods.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, usage, dimensions, or condition, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.
We’re happy to assist you and will do our best to respond as promptly as possible.
Thank you for considering a piece from our kura — each item carries a quiet story shaped by time in Japan.
This piece is part of our curated collection discovered in rural Japan.
On our official website, we share:
– the story of the kura (traditional Japanese storehouse) where this item was discovered
– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday life
– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere
We hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.