CUP, Engraved with fern design, b, Meiji Period（1868–1912CE）

This exquisite piece is a small glass cup crafted during the Meiji Period, utilizing the technique of engraving. The wide-open vessel features a delicately incised fern design, embodying a refined simplicity. Its size is ideal for use as a sake cup, offering a comfortable grip. The body and foot of the cup exhibit slight bubbles and distortions, evidence of the artisanal process of mold-blowing and finishing, which imparts a gentle character to the object.

The engraving technique, known as "gravure," involves carving the surface of glass with a blade, allowing for nuanced shading and depth in the design. Introduced to Japan after the Meiji Restoration through state-run factories such as the Shinagawa Glass Manufacturing Company, this Western technique was embraced and refined by local artisans across the country. In this work, one can observe the craftsmanship of artisans who have skillfully assimilated foreign techniques, evident in the delicate engraving and realistic motifs.

The fern, a motif cherished in Japan for centuries as a symbol of longevity and prosperity, also gained popularity in 19th-century Western culture, where it was associated with a fervent craze known as "pteridomania." This plant was frequently employed in the contexts of Art Nouveau and Japonisme. The resonance of Eastern and Western aesthetic sensibilities is captured in this motif, which, despite being etched onto a small surface, retains its cultural richness and embodies a refined simplicity.

The piece is in excellent condition, with no significant chips or cracks on the glass surface, gently preserving the atmosphere of its time.