Set of Japanese Ukidama Glass Fishing Floats, 1950s

An atmospheric set of Japanese glass fishing floats, ukidama, originally used to keep fishing nets afloat.

Dimensions: diameter between 10 and 14 cm.

The floats are mouth-blown in thick glass, with deep brown-green, dark green and amber tones. The glass shows small air bubbles, colour variations and subtle irregularities typical of traditional blown utility glass. Each float is wrapped in old rope and netting, weathered by time and use, giving the set a particularly authentic and raw beauty.

Today, these Japanese ukidama work beautifully as decorative interior accents: displayed loose in a wooden bowl, on a low table, in an open cabinet or combined with ceramics, plants and other natural materials. The combination of dark glass, fibrous rope and organic texture gives them a calm coastal presence with strong character.

In good decorative vintage condition, with normal signs of use, wear to the rope and small irregularities consistent with age and use. A highly atmospheric set with a strong wabi-sabi character.