Vintage Japanese Fishing Float, 1966 - 1989 (Late Showa) | SKU: 26M-662

Japanese Ukidama Glass Fishing Float | Nautical Decor & Coastal Living Room Accent, 1966-1989 (Late Showa), SKU 26M-662

A hand-blown sea glass sphere in smoky olive green, cradled in its original hand-knotted rope net -- a timeless relic of Japan's deep-sea fishing heritage.

An ukidama is a traditional Japanese glass fishing float, hand-blown by skilled glassworkers and used by fishermen across Japan's coastal communities to keep nets buoyant on the open ocean. Produced widely from the Meiji era through the Late Showa period, these spheres were crafted from recycled or raw glass, giving each one a distinctive color -- this example displaying a rich, smoky olive-green tone with subtle surface undulations that speak to its hand-made origins. The float retains its original hand-knotted rope net, darkened with age and sea salt, tied in the traditional lattice pattern used to secure the float to fishing lines. The visible glass button -- a small molded nub left by the glassblower's pipe -- is a hallmark of authentic vintage ukidama and a detail prized by collectors of Japanese antique fishing gear and vintage maritime objects.

Today, vintage Japanese glass fishing floats like this ukidama are among the most sought-after pieces in coastal and nautical home decor. Display it on a driftwood shelf, tuck it into a woven basket grouping, or position it as a standalone living room accent on a sideboard or mantelpiece -- its moody green glass and weathered rope net bring an instant wabi-sabi aesthetic to any interior. It works beautifully in Japandi style rooms, beach house settings, and minimalist decor schemes alike. A genuine conversation piece and a unique housewarming gift or gift for collectors of vintage Japanese maritime antiques, it carries decades of ocean history in a single beautiful object.

• Origin: Japan
• Era: 1966-1989 (Late Showa)
• Material: Hand-blown glass (smoky olive-green); hand-knotted rope net
• Use: Fishing net float used by Japanese coastal fishermen to keep nets suspended at the correct depth on the open sea
• Modern Use: Coastal or nautical living room accent; Japandi-style shelf or mantel display; unique housewarming gift or decorative centerpiece
• Features: Smoky olive-green hand-blown glass sphere; visible glassblower's button nub; original hand-knotted lattice rope net with hanging loop; surface undulations and patina consistent with age and authentic hand production
• Dimensions: 14" Diameter
• Condition: Excellent

A genuine piece of Japanese antique maritime history -- this ukidama glass float brings the texture, color, and quiet beauty of Japan's fishing coast into any modern home.

We use professional studio lighting to highlight the natural character of the wood. As a result, the tone may appear slightly warmer than under natural daylight.

All vintage and antique items are sold as-is. Each piece may exhibit signs of age, including scratches, wear, or minor imperfections. These are not considered defects but natural evidence of the item’s authenticity and age.