Vintage Japanese Ukidama Glass Fishing Float - 1990s Heisei Era (25D-105)

Vintage Japanese Ukidama Glass Fishing Float, Heisei Era (SKU 25D-105)

Hand-blown Heisei-era glass float wrapped in traditional rope netting

This vintage Japanese glass fishing float, or ukidama, captures the honest utility and quiet beauty of late-20th-century coastal life. The softly tinted, hand-blown glass sphere sits securely in a lattice of knotted cord, once used by fishermen to keep heavy nets and lines afloat on the open sea.

Today, its weathered surface, subtle air bubbles and irregularities in the glass, and the rich patina of the rope give it strong wabi-sabi appeal. Hung from a beam, displayed in a niche, or grouped with other Heisei-era maritime pieces, it brings an authentic touch of Japanese coastal nostalgia to any interior.

• Origin: Japan, coastal fishing village
• Era: Heisei period, late-20th century
• Material: Hand-blown glass, braided rope, rubber collar
• Use: Traditional fishing float (ukidama), now ideal as nautical decor or hanging accent
• Features: Sea-green glass sphere with visible bubbles and tool marks; original rope netting with extended hanging line; aged rubber neck collar with surface cracks; classic vintage Japanese maritime character
• Dimensions: 9" Diameter
• Condition: Good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear, patina to rope, and cracking to rubber collar; glass intact

A soulful relic of Japan’s working seas, ready to lend warm, nautical atmosphere to your space.

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.