Vintage Pair of Japanese Green Glass Fishing Floats with Coir Fiber Netting

HISTORY (from online sources): The Japanese started using glass floats as early as 1910, although they were not the first to create them.  In fact, it was Norway back in 1840 who first produced them.  However, once Japan jumped on board with its massive deep sea fishing industry, they soon became the leader in production.  By 1915, small glass floats were mass produced and soon operations opened up throughout Japan.  What started as a 3″ float was soon adapted into other sizes which related to the fishing gear and types of fish caught.  Sizes range from 1.5″ to 18″.  Floats made by large glass factories usually have the company’s mark; those made by local independent individuals, aren’t marked.   The earliest floats, including most Japanese glass fishing floats, were handmade by a glassblower.  Recycled glass, especially old sake bottles (but also Coca-Cola and beer bottles), was typically used and air bubbles/imperfections in the glass are a result of the rapid recycling process.  Colors like cobalt, purple, red and orange came from excess glass from glass factories making high end products.  After being blown, floats were removed from the blowpipe and sealed with a ‘button’ of melted glass before being placed in a cooling oven.  A later manufacturing method used wooden molds to speed up the float-making process.  Glass floats were blown into a mold to more easily achieve a uniform size and shape. Seams on the outside of floats are a result of this process. Sometimes knife markings where the wooden molds were carved are also visible on the surface of the glass.  Some floats have small amounts of water trapped inside of them. This water apparently enters the floats through microscopic imperfections in the glass while the floats are suspended in Arctic ice or held under water by netting.

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A WORD ABOUT VINTAGE: Our inventory consists of vintage or antique items which are more than 20 years old, usually used or pre-owned, unless marked “new old stock.”  As such, there may be signs of wear and age, which we will disclose to the best of our ability.  Nevertheless, we encourage you to carefully read the description and view the photos, especially when purchasing a gift.  All items ship with tracking and insurance, and although we do not accept returns, we will offer a refund in case of breakage or damage during transit, upon receipt of sufficient proof. 

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