Ikebana Vases

Ikebana, the Japanese art of floral arranging dating back to the 7th century is based on form and balance.
The fabrication of this vase began by cutting and assembling several layers of glass which were then fired in the kiln to 1435° to transform into a smooth single layer piece.
A hole was drilled in the center into which the included metal insert with” frog” pins is positioned, and the flowers are arranged. Another firing in the kiln was done to smooth and polish the rim of the hole and a third firing to slump creating the curve shape.
An intentional chemical reaction is produced when two glasses, in this case, colors one of which is copper bearing , and the other sulfur bearing interface.  The resulting effect creates the illusion of the river rock pebbles flowing on the top through a channel.
Enjoy!!!