Iwatsu Glass vase or art glass piece (Japan) from their Hineri range. Japan’s most recognised manufacturers of mid-century glass is Iwatsu Glass Co, a company who produced an outstanding amount of incredible pieces predominantly bound for the Western export market. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company were prolific in the 1960s and 1970s with a fantastic range of vases, centrepieces and art pieces, found in a variety of styles.

After World War II, Japan faced significant economic and industrial challenges. The war had left the country in ruins, and there was a strong interest in learning and adopting new techniques to foster economic growth. One of the areas of interest was the traditional craft of glassblowing, where Japanese artisans sought to learn from the best practices around the world. Subsequently, during the 1950s and 1960s, Murano glassmakers, including skilled artisans from renowned glass factories, traveled to Japan. They conducted workshops, demonstrations, and training sessions. The techniques taught by the Murano glassmakers laid the foundation for the growth of Japan’s own glassmaking industry fostering a rich tradition of glass art that continues to thrive today.