This vase set was attempted to push both color and shape to their envelopes in glass.  Glass is not dynamically stable.  When hot, and when being blown, the side that is thinnest will heat first and blow through as the piece is expanded.  Therefore, only the most perfectly symetrical globule of glass that is started will be able to be blown into a layer vases.  Glass has a natural tendency to create a fluted vase shape when blown, hung upside down, and spun.

When using multiple colors, the different frits will absorb heat at different rates, creating a molten ball of different temperature glass that the blower must work.  The different temperature colored glass will have different textures and hardnesses, creating a medium that is akin to blowing honey filled with raisins and oatmeal. 

Glass of multicolored layers is then intrinsically harder to work than clear or monochromatic glass, and smooth symetrical forms are harder to make than "organic" free form shapes.

The Japanese Vase series was an attempt to create a pleasing set  of vases that also contained color that was intriguing.  Each piece is seven layers of glass, tortoise shell on the outside and a shaded cobalt on the interior.  The glass turns golden and magenta when light passes through the vases.

Over 20 pieces where destroyed in the attempt to create this set.