Otaru Glass Hina Dolls / Standing Glass "Hina" (Miyabi)

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[KIM GLASS DESIGN × UNGAPLUS] Otaru glass, which has its roots in Otaru's culture, has evolved with the times, changing from practical items such as storage containers and lighting fixtures to items with design appeal, including fishing floats. UNGAPLUS has collaborated with KIM GLASS DESIGN, which is leading the "Otaru Glass" movement and has its studio along the Shizatsuna coast, to create "Glass Hina Dolls" for the Peach Festival. These glass dolls captivate with their skillful craftsmanship and elegant design, and their beautiful appearance breathes a modern perspective. The fine lines on the molded glass create beautiful shadows, highlighting the beauty of their form. The standing dolls, created from simple shaped parts, come in a size that makes them suitable for various locations, such as the living room, entrance, or desk. The brilliance and transparency of the glass exude a presence, and you can enjoy the expressions unique to glass that appear with changes in light and viewing angles. These glass dolls, with their shimmering glow that evokes the arrival of spring, are perfect for celebrating "Hinamatsuri" (Girl's Festival), a time to wish for the growth and well-being of children.

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O-Dairi-sama (Imperial Prince): Approx. φ4.5 × H16.0 cm Hina dolls: Approx. φ6.5 x H13.7cm Black lacquered base: W24.5 × D21.0 × H0.7cm Gold screen: W26 × D5 × H16cm Hina dolls: glass Black lacquered base: wood Gold screen: High-quality gold paper, Japanese paper, and board paper. *Since these are handmade items, the color, size, etc. vary from piece to piece. *Depending on your monitor settings, the actual color of the product may appear slightly different.

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This glass workshop is located along the coast of Iwakatsu, Otaru. The artisans pour their hearts into the glass, melted at 1300℃, crafting each piece with the hope that it will bring a smile to the person who receives it. The representative, Naoki Kimura, also serves as the executive committee chairman of the Otaru Glass Fair, held concurrently with the Otaru Shio Matsuri (Otaru Sea Festival), and is a leading figure in Otaru's new glass scene, despite his young age. In 2017, he was selected as one of Hokkaido's Takumi (craftsmen) for the LEXUS NEW TAKUMI PROJECT, and he continues to challenge himself, such as by creating a new expression of "Otaru-yaki" (Otaru pottery) using glass. His works range from simple, everyday items with a minimalist design to beautiful handicrafts with patterns that embody the delicate sensibilities of the Japanese people, and even playful, uniquely shaped sculptures.

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"Majime Otaru" is an irregular column where we speak with Ishikawa, the director of the Otaru City Museum, and delve into the rich history of Otaru. Please enjoy it.