Ryukyu Glass Cup – Domon Earth Crackle with Cobalt Ribbon by Niji Glass Studio (022-NJ)

① Product Description

The moment I held this glass, I wanted to fill it with something cold.

This is Ryukyu Glass — Okinawa's beloved hand-blown glass craft, born from postwar resourcefulness when artisans melted down discarded bottles into something beautiful, and now one of the island's signature traditions alongside yachimun pottery. Light teal glass, mapped with a golden crackle running across the surface — that's domon, a signature Ryukyu Glass technique of Chūfuki Glass Kōbo Niji in Yomitan Village. Domon literally means "earth pattern": Okinawan coral earth is fused into molten glass, leaving those beautiful golden cracks behind. A ribbon of cobalt blue wraps the body and pulls the whole piece together. The shape is organic, sculptural — there's no wrong angle.

This piece was hand-blown by Teruya Hiroumi, one of the studio's craftsmen. Niji was founded in 1988 by master glassblower Seikichi Inamine, later designated a "Contemporary Master Craftsman" by the Japanese government. When other glassmakers dismissed air bubbles as defects, he made them the soul of the glass — and invented Awa Glass, a style entirely his own. Domon is one of the studio's most treasured techniques.

Teruya-san told me what he holds on to while he works: "When someone picks up one of my pieces, I want them to think — I'm so glad I found this. I want to come back."

Pour in cold pineapple juice. White wine. Sparkling water. Drop in ice — and watch the golden domon glow.

② Dimensions & Weight

• Height: 3.8 in (9.7 cm)
• Width / Diameter: 3.3 in (8.5 cm)
• Depth: 3.3 in (8.5 cm)
• Weight: 9.0 oz (254.1 g)

③ Capacity

12.1 fl oz (358 ml).

④ Materials

Hand-blown Ryukyu Glass (琉球ガラス) fused with Okinawan coral earth in the domon technique, which creates the signature golden crackle. A ribbon of cobalt-blue glass is applied to the body during blowing. Made of lead-free glass as confirmed by the artisan.

⑤ Origin

A Ryukyu Glass piece hand-blown in Yomitan Village, Okinawa, Japan by Teruya Hiroumi at Chūfuki Glass Kōbo Niji — a studio founded in 1988 by Contemporary Master Craftsman Seikichi Inamine.

⑥ Handmade Note

Each piece is one-of-a-kind. Slight variations in color, bubbles, texture, and size are a natural part of the hand-blowing process — and part of its charm.

⑦ Care Instructions

Hand wash only with mild soap and a soft cloth. Not microwave safe. Not dishwasher safe. Avoid sudden temperature changes — never pour boiling liquid or place in a freezer. Hand-blown Ryukyu Glass is more delicate than mass-produced glassware; handle with care.

⑧ Food Safe Statement

Made of lead-free glass as confirmed by the artisan. Third-party laboratory certification is in progress. This product currently includes a Prop 65 warning out of an abundance of caution while certification is pending.

⑨ Prop 65 Warning

⚠ WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

⑩ Shipping Note

Fragile item — packaged with great care to ensure safe delivery. Ships from San Francisco, CA.