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Caution, Artists at Work
Story written 21 April 2008
A look at Ryukyu Glassware manufacturing on Okinawa Japan through a pictorial visit to a roadside tourist attraction.
Ye Olde Tourist Trap
The Ryukyu Glass Craft company is one of the oldest and most successful glassware factories in all of Okinawa.
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I Did It!
The young lady seated just completed her first masterpiece with the aid of a staff member on the right. Another soon to be happy customer on the left eagerly waits her turn in the master's chair. From the look on her face, she's very excited about the opportunity she's had and pleased with what she's accomplished.
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Harder than it looks
A tourist gets their chance to make a piece of glassware. By the expression on her face she's finding it a little more difficult than she imagined.
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Getting in on the Action
A tourist takes a turn at the fun. Here she blows on the tube to expand the glass into the shape of a mold. That's the first step. In a little bit, she'll get a chance to shape it more thoroughly.
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Final Touches
In an earlier photograph we saw one artisan using air to cool a piece to get the desired color. This one uses heat for the same purpose.
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Almost Got it!
This piece begins to take shape under the watchful eye and tender loving care of a master artisan doing what he does best.
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Adding to perfection
With the aid of an assistant, this artisan adds to his work in progress by adding more molten glass to his work.
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Adding the final touches
Using compressed air, he cools certain areas to give the color effect he desires.
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Blowing it out of Proportion
As he blows gently into one end, he shapes the other end in this template.
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Keith Graff has been a member since 7 April 2008 and goes by docgraff.
Currently in Okinawa.
A retired U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer living as an expatriate in the "Goya Republic." I love this place for it's rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Presently, I do freelance writing and photography for local publications.
A writer first and photographer second, my passion is the photo essay. I select the photographs I post on this and other sites to tell a story. Hence, even though I'm still a hack wannabe, you're better off reading my stories first and viewing the pictures second.
You can also find Keith at www.goyarepublic.com.
