The Art of Ryukyu Glass
At Sugimoto Tea, we are drawn to traditions that reflect care, creativity, and a deep respect for the natural world. This season, we are proud to share the story of Takumi Kobo, a Ryukyu glass studio in Okinawa whose work brings new life to recycled materials and preserves the spirit of island craftsmanship.
What Is Ryukyu Glass?
Ryukyu glass traces its roots back centuries, but its modern form emerged in the aftermath of war. After World War II, when supplies were scarce and rebuilding had just begun, Okinawan artisans began repurposing discarded soda and beer bottles. They melted the glass, shaped it by hand, and created pieces full of texture and vibrant color. These early works often carried air bubbles, uneven lines, and unexpected hues, giving Ryukyu glass a character that felt both raw and beautiful.
Over time, these handmade pieces became a symbol of Okinawan identity. The glass spoke of resourcefulness and care, turning humble materials into objects that brought color and warmth into daily life.
Takumi Kobo: Glass Filled with Intention
Takumi Kobo was founded in 2000 by Eikichi Matsuda, who began his journey in Ryukyu glassmaking at the age of 19. After training at several studios across Okinawa, he established his own workshop with the vision of creating glass that brings beauty and warmth to everyday life. Now 62, Matsuda continues to lead Takumi Kobo with the same passion and dedication that shaped his early years.
Their studio’s slogan, “Blowing happiness into glass,” reflects their hope to bring a quiet sense of joy to the moments we often overlook. Every item is crafted by hand using time-honored techniques passed down from skilled artisans to younger generations.
What sets Takumi Kobo apart is not only their artistry, but the spirit behind it. They aim to make pieces that reflect Okinawa’s sea, air, and light — from swirling textures that evoke waves to shimmering surfaces that feel like sunlight on water.
Creating Beauty with Recycled Glass
Takumi Kobo works with recycled glass sourced from bottles and other materials that would otherwise be discarded. Their glassware is crafted using high-purity, lead-free soda-lime glass enhanced with potassium and zinc to achieve brilliant clarity and weight. This approach allows the glass to shine while reducing environmental impact. Every piece is a quiet reminder that reuse can create something both beautiful and meaningful.
The Umi No Awa (Sea Foam) series is one example. Inspired by the ocean waves breaking along Okinawa’s coral reefs, this collection features fine bubbles and soft white swirls suspended in clear glass. It captures the essence of Okinawa’s coastal beauty in a form that feels timeless and calming.
Supporting Nature Through Craft
Takumi Kobo’s connection to Okinawa’s environment goes beyond design. Through their Onna Blue series, part of the proceeds are donated to a coral reef conservation fund in Onna Village. This initiative supports efforts to protect marine life and ensure Okinawa’s natural beauty can be passed down to future generations.
Their glasswork carries a message that is both visual and environmental — care for nature, expressed through the art of everyday objects.
Why This Collaboration Matters
This collaboration holds special meaning for us at Sugimoto Tea. We share a deep connection with Takumi Kobo through our common values of craftsmanship, tradition, and sustainability. But more than that, this is also a personal connection for our team.
Hiroko, our office manager and the longest-serving member of Sugimoto Tea in the U.S., and Shiro, our sales manager, are both originally from Okinawa. Collaborating with Takumi Kobo has given us a meaningful way to celebrate their roots and share a part of Okinawa’s beauty and spirit with our community.
The idea of working with Ryukyu glass began from an interest in finding glassware that pairs naturally with cold-brewed Japanese tea. When we discovered Takumi Kobo, we were drawn to their openness, creativity, and willingness to take on something new, including creating a katakuchi chawan for the first time.
As we learned more about their studio, we came to admire not only their craftsmanship but also their values. Takumi Kobo supports the next generation of artisans, combines traditional techniques with fresh ideas, and contributes to coral reef conservation in Okinawa. For Hiroko, who personally adopted coral growing in the sea of Okinawa, this partnership feels especially close to heart.
We are proud to work with a studio that honors tradition while embracing change, and whose work reflects care for the land, the sea, and the people who call it home.
Bring Okinawan Craft to Your Tea Time
We are pleased to offer two pieces from the Umi No Awa series, a collection inspired by the sea foam that gently rises along the shores of Okinawa. Created using Takumi Kobo’s signature technique, the series features delicate swirls and airy patterns that capture the movement and light of the ocean. These pieces were specially made for Sugimoto Tea, including Takumi Kobo’s first-ever Katakuchi chawan, designed just for this collaboration. Both showcase a clear base with soft white accents, offering a quietly elegant expression of Okinawa’s coastal beauty.
Umi No Awa Chawan
This beautifully crafted bowl is designed for preparing and enjoying matcha. The clear glass and delicate white swirls create a calm, reflective atmosphere that enhances the ritual of whisking and drinking. Its gentle presence invites you to slow down and savor each moment, making it perfect for quiet mornings or afternoon tea breaks.
Umi No Awa Glass Tumbler
With its clear body and soft white swirls, this tumbler brings a refreshing sense of lightness to your tea time. It’s ideal for cold-brewed green tea or iced teas, allowing the natural color of the tea to shine through. Whether you’re steeping sencha in cool water or pouring over ice, this glass makes everyday tea moments feel cool, clear, and beautifully intentional.
Each piece is handmade. No two are exactly alike. Quantities are limited, and these items may not be available again in the same form. Whether used for tea or simply admired for their form, they offer a thoughtful way to connect with the artistry of Okinawa.
A Moment to Reflect
At Sugimoto Tea, we believe in surrounding ourselves with objects that carry meaning. Takumi Kobo’s glassware invites us to slow down and appreciate the care behind every detail — the touch of a hand, the memory of the sea, the intention behind reuse.
We invite you to explore these works and bring a quiet piece of Okinawa into your daily life.