Gasp! I thought September 16th was my one year blogging anniversary, but I was wrong. It was the 12th of September and I missed it! I guess I could cheat and back date this post, but to keep my journalistic integrity, I won’t. We’ll just have to celebrate a few days late!
Since I started out at Nogi Shrine, what better way than to commemorate with a few sparkling jewels seen there this past Sunday? Some of my favorite finds are the humblest of objects, like these Taisho era shoyu (soy sauce) bottles. The disposables of their day, they had no particular value and were simply a method for delivering a product. Fast forward 80-90 years and now they are collectible!
A favorite dealer had basically assembled a complete collection and had I wanted one instantaneously, it was there for the purchasing. While I am often featuring glass in all forms on the blog, what makes these bottles particularly special is their rare glass screw tops. I had bought a huge green bottle at Kawagoe last spring simply because I was so in love with that screw top. It seems amazing to me that they have lasted in perfect working condition. These two blue-green ones were my favorites – I love the art deco detailing.
Making beauty from everyday objects like these is something Amy Merrick does particularly well. In addition to drooling over her spectacular flower arrangements, I have followed her posts about found glass and ceramics from Dead Horse Bay in New York. I would love to go junk collecting there but never have the time when I am back in the US. Her collection of found bottles on an antique spool thread display shelf is stunning. To see more of her work, you must go take a look at Amy’s gorgeous new website.
Dealers in Tokyo do a great job of presenting their glass wares, often grouping them by color like these at the Azabu Juban Saturday market.
And this summer I snapped this photo at Lakeview Antiques in Bolton Landing, NY, where they arranged their glass by color and style. I think Ball canning jars like those on the second shelf are some of the most multi-functional and inexpensive vintage glass around. They come in different sizes and colors, display beautifully and have many uses. My friend K used them as vases for a summer night party – nothing simpler or prettier! I just wish I had a photo to show…
…kinda like this.
And Joni just posted this kitchen by Susie Bohnsack over at Cote de Texas. Note how the old turqouise seltzer bottles positively glow like jewels in the backlit cabinet!
If you are interested in glass bottle collecting, Martha Stewart Living recently featured an outstanding article naming and dating different bottle types.
Photo credits: 1-2, 4-5. me, 3. Amy Merrick via An Apple a Day, 6. via Covet Living, 7. Susie Bohnsack/Pearhouse Design via Cote de Texas
KT
I’m so excited!! Wish I good picture too! xo
Margaret Lambert
I’d find myself collecting glass, if I had the opportunity to buy old soy sauce bottles. These were likely individually mold-blown. Buy as many as you like- without regret! These may not be available for many more years.
greenkooka
Congratulations! I look forward to many more enlightening and entertaining posts. And I wouldn’t mind a few soy sauce bottles…
Angela
Love the glass post and congratulations on your anniversary! I have bought a huge green glass Belgian bottle recently (I’ll send you a photo when we are back at our house properly and have all my camera/laptop cables from the shipment!) We had the inspection at our house today and the place is so dirty, lots of cleaning before moving our things back in on Saturday, but the glass bottle is packed in my new Range Rover ready to place on a beautiful new oak pedestal table which is being delivered tomorrow along with a matching biblioteek cabinet, so excited about these two items. The house might be dirty at this point, but I figure I need something to cheer me up! I can’t wait to share our new old life as things progress. I have to say that the Nogi Shrine and Azabu Market glasswares are stunning, I especially love the fluted clear glass dish with dark blue edging!
Mary
Hi there,
I recently saw this posted on a Tokyo based interior designer’s blog, Tokyolily.com. I don’t know if you are interested but I think you would be perfect for it!
September 13, 2011
HGTV Opportunity For American Expats In Tokyo
Are you or someone you know an American living in Tokyo?
Then HGTV is looking for you!
Home & Garden Television (HGTV) is launching a new international series featuring American expats Living abroad! They’re looking for fun, outgoing, and enthusiastic homeowners/renters who have recently moved to Tokyo.
The host will experience a foreign city through the eyes of three expat families – from design and features of their home to the differences in lifestyle and culture of the area – each episode will give viewers a first-hand look into what it’s like to live overseas!
This will be one of the most artistically shot programs on the network so apply now to be part of this amazing opportunity in Tokyo, Japan.
For more information or to apply, contact Liezel: liezel@bottegatokyo.com
Tokyo Jinja
Thanks Mary!! I think I will contact them…. I wonder if I am too late???
Angela
Hey Jacqueline, this has your name written all over it, go for it NOW!
Tokyo Jinja
I will!