More years ago than I care to admit, during my early teens, I lived in Japan. The years spent there greatly influenced my aesthetics. From the color palette I prefer, to my love of stylized natural forms, and simple design, those were very important years.
In February, 2008 I traveled to Tuscon for what I believed to be my last Gem and Mineral Show. I went to say good-bye to people I’d worked with, and I went to buy some treasures for myself.
While at the Best Bead Show, I encountered a group of Japanese lampworkers and fell in love with the pieces they were offering. The bead pictured above was made by Yuka Kawakita, and is one of my treasures. I was also able to purchase a bead by Ryo Ono on that lucky day.
Tonbo-dama translates to “dragonfly ball.” It’s thought that the name came about because when the molten glass is applied to the core bead it resembles a dragonfly’s eye. The actual origin of the term is unverified.
Lampworking arrived in Japan during the Edo period, (1603-1848) when trade was started with Portugal and Spain. Beads have been made in Japan for about 400 years.
Early ‘lamps’ were charcoal burning furnaces shaped like a volcano, which concentrated the flame at the top. While American and European lampworkers use a flame they work behind, Japanese lampworkers still work over their flames. Modern torches are shaped like Bunson burners, and are designed especially for Japanese made glass.
…and since a picture is worth a thousand words, here is a video of a Japanese lampwork artist. Yep, it’s in Japanese, but it’s still fun to watch.
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