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Glass Half Full

Discovering the Joy of Glassware by Factory Zoomer

May 12-20, 2017

Nalata Nalata is pleased to announce a forthcoming exhibition of glassworks by Factory Zoomer. This exhibition welcomes the Kanazawa based glass atelier to New York for its first solo exhibition in America.

Central to the story is founder Kazumi Tsuji, who created the studio in 1999 and developed its signature style over the years. The Factory Zoomer collection combines the traditional blown-glass making method with a lengthy process of hand polishing, etching, tinting, cutting, or painting on glass.

As Kazumi Tsuji continues to evolve Factory Zoomer, she aims to widen the picture of contemporary glass, and to deepen the public’s appreciation and understanding of glass as everyday tableware. With their handcrafted idiosyncrasies, she believes that each piece can create a feeling of joy in the palm of your hand – for example, the ‘Snow Etched Glass’ comprised of hundreds of hand-etched dots, is a form with playfulness embedded within, making the simple act of drinking water more enjoyable.

It is our hopes that as the pieces are placed in more and more households around the world, this sentiment indeed resonates intimately amongst collectors of this special collection.

“… I invented a men-choko glass bowl, which is a little bit bigger than the existing soba-choko that is typically made with porcelain and used as dipping vessels for soba noodles in Japan. That was the beginning of glass tableware for me and men-choko has been selling ever since.” – Kazumi Tsuji

Alongside the main collection will be a special series of rock-cut whiskey glasses that we have designed in collaboration with Kazumi Tsuji. Offered in three different colours (gray, green, purple) and a clear version, these mouth-blown rock glasses feature hand-cut slashes and a smooth rim band for enjoying whiskey’s nuances with minimal interference. The cuts of the whiskey glass form an ‘N’, a ‘Z’, or an ‘X’, depending on your perspective, reminding us to look at things from different angles so that we can see the bigger picture every time we embark on a collaboration. Whether you like it neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, these glasses were designed to enhance the experience.

In addition, Kazumi Tsuji’s beloved black series will be available. The collection name, Nero is in reference to the incredibly deep black color achieved by sandwiching a layer of black glass between two layers of clear glass. A thin strip at the base of the pieces is left clear revealing the layers, an unparalleled skill of the factory zoomer studio and a feat in itself to achieve glass at this degree of darkness.

This exhibition coincides with NYCxDESIGN Week and will include a large selection of the factory zoomer mouth-blown glassware collection for purchase. Drinkware, pitchers, bowls, plates and containers will be available, all featuring the studio’s well known hand-etched, shinogi cut, painted white enameled, and black tinted techniques.

Kazumi Tsuji will be bringing confectionaries from her hometown of Kanazawa and a selection of Japanese whiskeys will be provided on opening night. Music will be provided by Paul Lewis. Floral design provided by Marisa Competello of Metaflora.

Read more about our visit to the artisan’s studio and home in Kanazawa here.

View a recap of the event here.

Shop the Exhibition

'Gara Gara' Glass Set
'Gara Gara' Glass Set

'Gara Gara' Glass Set

Kazumi Tsuji for Factory Zoomer

I am a ‘Gara Gara’ Glass Set. I’m the type of collectible that you have now, keep forever and pass down to the grandkids. I’m looking forward to meeting my new family!  

$2,950
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'Mini-Choko' Glass
'Mini-Choko' Glass

'Mini-Choko' Glass

Kazumi Tsuji for Factory Zoomer

I am a Mini-Choko Glass. I'm one-of-a kind, mini but mighty. I'm patterned and perfect for sipping sake your way.   

$90
Cow Pitcher
Cow Pitcher

Cow Pitcher

Kazumi Tsuji for Factory Zoomer

I am a Cow Pitcher. I don't cry over spilled milk because I don't spill my milk. I pour it in a steady stream from out my spout and into your cup for maximum enjoyment.  

Starting at $135
Black Glass Jug
Black Glass Jug

Black Glass Jug

Kazumi Tsuji for Factory Zoomer

I am a Black Glass Jug. My heart is of the same color but contrary to popular belief, I fill the lives of many with joy.  

$595
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Black Glass (OUT OF STOCK)
Black Glass (OUT OF STOCK)

Black Glass (OUT OF STOCK)

Kazumi Tsuji for Factory Zoomer

I am a Black Glass. What do you mean other colors?  

$120
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Shinogi Container (OUT OF STOCK)
Shinogi Container (OUT OF STOCK)

Shinogi Container (OUT OF STOCK)

Kazumi Tsuji for Factory Zoomer

I am a Shinogi Container. There are many beautiful facets to life, I can barely contain myself.    

$2,500
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Shinogi Sake Pitcher (OUT OF STOCK)
Shinogi Sake Pitcher (OUT OF STOCK)

Shinogi Sake Pitcher (OUT OF STOCK)

Kazumi Tsuji for Factory Zoomer

I am a Shinogi Sake Pitcher. C'mon, count my facets! I bet you're losing count already.    

$620
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Shinogi Sake Cup
Shinogi Sake Cup

Shinogi Sake Cup

Kazumi Tsuji for Factory Zoomer

I am a Shinogi Sake Cup. I'll make your sake sparkle like a gem. But drinking too much of it will lead to mayhem.    

$275
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Whiskey Glass - Gray
Whiskey Glass - Gray

Whiskey Glass - Gray

Factory Zoomer for Nalata Nalata

I am a limited edition Gray Whiskey Glass. I start off neat and depending on how the night goes, might end up a little messy and muddled. No matter what, my lines are drawn clearly so I know when to cut myself off when I’ve reached my limit.  

$180
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Whiskey Glass - Green (OUT OF STOCK)
Whiskey Glass - Green (OUT OF STOCK)

Whiskey Glass - Green (OUT OF STOCK)

Factory Zoomer for Nalata Nalata

I am a limited edition Green Whiskey Glass. I start off neat and depending on how the night goes, might end up a little messy and muddled. No matter what, my lines are drawn clearly so I know when to cut myself off when I’ve reached my limit.  

$180
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Whiskey Glass - Purple (OUT OF STOCK)
Whiskey Glass - Purple (OUT OF STOCK)

Whiskey Glass - Purple (OUT OF STOCK)

Factory Zoomer for Nalata Nalata

I am a limited edition Purple Whiskey Glass. I start off neat and depending on how the night goes, might end up a little messy and muddled. No matter what, my lines are drawn clearly so I know when to cut myself off when I’ve reached my limit.  

$180
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'Ten Ten' Painted Small Plate (OUT OF STOCK)
'Ten Ten' Painted Small Plate (OUT OF STOCK)

'Ten Ten' Painted Small Plate (OUT OF STOCK)

Kazumi Tsuji for Factory Zoomer

I am a ‘Ten Ten’ Painted Small Plate. Dab dab dab dab dab...  

$125
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'Ten Ten' Painted Oval Plate (OUT OF STOCK)
'Ten Ten' Painted Oval Plate (OUT OF STOCK)

'Ten Ten' Painted Oval Plate (OUT OF STOCK)

Kazumi Tsuji for Factory Zoomer

I am a ‘Ten Ten’ Painted Oval Plate. I’m not a painter’s palette but I am a painted plate.  

$225
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'Ten Ten' Painted Small Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)
'Ten Ten' Painted Small Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)

'Ten Ten' Painted Small Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)

Kazumi Tsuji for Factory Zoomer

I am a Ten Ten Painted Small Bowl. Some paint objects, some paint on objects and some are painted objects that hold objects.

$140
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'Ten Ten' Painted Deep Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)
'Ten Ten' Painted Deep Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)

'Ten Ten' Painted Deep Bowl (OUT OF STOCK)

Kazumi Tsuji for Factory Zoomer

I am a ‘Ten Ten’ Painted Deep Bowl. The artist’s world is limitless, as clear and deep as me.  

$175
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