The most popular Hotaru glass netsuke

Common names:

Hotaru ishi (firefly ball) hotaru dama hotal glass gurasu garasu tonbo dama(natural fluorite stones are not materials)

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Hotaru Glass beads are popular as a souvenir from Okinawa along with Ryukyu glass. They are the same as the Tonbo glass beads made by Takashi Hirose, and are artisan glass crafts.  Glass is melted with a burner using skillful techniques to create beautiful beads with many layers. The method of making is called burner work or lamp work.  Venetian glass beads are made in the same way.  The feature is that silver leaves are put in the beads during firing, so they reflect light and sparkle.

The most popular Hotaru glass netsuke

These are the most popular Japanese style charms (netsuke) among my collection using 12mm glow in the dark Hotaru beads. People have complimented this design many times saying the bead combination is perfect.

Suits as a gift for any age group or gender. Recommended for those who are interested in Japanese kimono dressing classes, tea ceremony, flower arrangement and other Japanese events.

A work which can be easily handed over as a gift to those who have been kind to you or to non Japanese friends.

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All Hotaru beads of this size I use are "glow in the dark" types. It stores sunlight and glows like a firefly after sunset. It's very romantic.

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