Ryūkyū Glass

Overview

Ryūkyū Glass is a traditional Japanese glass craft originating in Okinawa Prefecture, characterized by vivid colors, thick forms, and visible bubbles. Unlike earlier mainland glass traditions, Ryūkyū Glass emerged in the postwar period and is closely associated with material reuse, island resourcefulness, and regional identity.

Historical Development

Ryūkyū Glass developed after the Second World War, during a period of severe material scarcity in Okinawa. Artisans began producing glassware using recycled bottles left behind by occupying forces, transforming industrial refuse into functional household objects.

Over time, these improvised practices stabilized into a regional craft tradition. While early production was driven by necessity, the distinctive aesthetic qualities of recycled glass—uneven thickness, trapped air bubbles, and strong coloration—became defining features rather than limitations.

By the late 20th century, Ryūkyū Glass was recognized as a representative craft of Okinawa, with workshops formalizing production while preserving hand-blown techniques.

Materials and Production

Ryūkyū Glass is primarily produced from recycled glass, including bottles and industrial waste glass. The material is melted and hand-blown, often without extensive refining, resulting in visible inclusions and irregularities.

Glassblowing is performed manually, with minimal reliance on molds. Objects are shaped using basic tools, emphasizing spontaneity and responsiveness to molten material rather than strict standardization.

Aesthetic Characteristics

The visual identity of Ryūkyū Glass is defined by:

• Bright, saturated colors
• Thick glass walls
• Visible air bubbles
• Soft, rounded forms

These features reflect both the limitations of recycled materials and an aesthetic acceptance of imperfection.

Object Types

Ryūkyū Glass objects are primarily utilitarian and domestic, including:

• Drinking glasses
• Cups
• Small bowls
• Plates
• Simple decorative vessels

Objects are designed for everyday use, often associated with casual dining and local hospitality.

Organization of Production

Production is centered around small workshops throughout Okinawa Prefecture. Knowledge transmission typically occurs through apprenticeship within workshops, combining practical experience with informal instruction.

While contemporary workshops may incorporate modern furnaces, production remains predominantly hand-based.

Cultural Significance

Ryūkyū Glass embodies the postwar history of Okinawa and reflects a localized response to material scarcity. The craft is closely tied to regional identity, representing resilience, adaptability, and the transformation of limited resources into enduring cultural forms.

It also differs conceptually from mainland glass traditions, emphasizing material presence and tactility over precision cutting or optical refinement.

Contemporary Practice

Today, Ryūkyū Glass continues to be actively produced, with both traditional forms and contemporary variations. While some workshops introduce new color palettes or object shapes, the use of recycled materials and hand-blown processes remains central to the craft’s identity.

See Also

• Edo Kiriko
• Satsuma Kiriko