Roots of Kiriko

There are two main types of glass materials used in Kiriko. "Suki-glass," which is clear and transparent, and "Irokise-glass," which has a double structure with colored glass on the outside and transparent glass on the inside.

While Kiriko is now commonly associated with Irokise-glass in Japan, its roots lie in Suki-glass.

Read more: "Kiriko Materials - Suki-glass and Irokise-glass"

The Beauty Unique to Suki-glass

Suki-glass Kiriko sparkles with the refraction of light on its cut surfaces. There is a pure beauty unique to its clear transparency.

Here, we introduce "Edo Kiriko" made from Suki-glass, available at Muromachi Glass Craft.

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Delicacy and Boldness Coexist
Hakkaku Kagome Pattern Old Glass, Hari

This old glass features cuts reminiscent of a clear river flow and delicate patterns. It combines flowing lines with the Hakkaku Kagome (octagonal basket weave) pattern, a representative "Edo Kiriko" design characterized by regularly arranged octagons.

It was designed by Haruki Ishizuka, a traditional Japanese craftsman belonging to Mitsuwa Glass Studio, where many young artisans work. The finely engraved Hakkaku Kagome pattern overflows with a sparkling, dazzling brilliance. Ishizuka's cuts are made with the utmost precision possible by hand. Furthermore, by applying strong, undulating cuts, a bold and华麗な impression is created.

This glass offers a variety of looks depending on the angle from which it's viewed. When you pick it up, you'll surely want to turn it around and enjoy its sparkle from different perspectives.

Modern Combination
Kikko Nanako Pattern Old Glass, Hari

This old glass features a hexagonal "Kikko" (tortoiseshell) pattern as its main design, with round "Nanako" (fish roe) patterns near the bottom. It was created by Haruki Ishizuka, a traditional Japanese craftsman belonging to Mitsuwa Glass Studio.

By regularly cutting and combining two representative patterns used in Edo Kiriko, it creates a geometric motif-like appearance, resulting in a somewhat modern impression. This glass, with the same pattern engraved throughout, disperses the viewer's gaze. In addition to the beauty of the cuts, there's also an interesting aspect of how the contents of the glass, such as beverages, appear.

It's great for display or for enjoying a long look while drinking. This glass is simple yet distinctive, unlike anything else you'll find.

Simply Enjoy the Sparkle
Kiku Tsunagi Tenkai Old Glass

This glass was created by Yoshiro Kobayashi, the third-generation master of "Kobayashi Glass Works," an Edo Kiriko studio that has been in business for nearly 100 years. The "Kiku Tsunagi" (chrysanthemum chain) pattern, a representative Edo Kiriko design, is applied all around it.

By meticulously engraving the Kiku Tsunagi pattern, which involves intersecting straight lines, a dazzling and vibrant sparkle emerges. Moreover, if you look inside the glass, the Kiku Tsunagi is also carefully cut on the bottom. You can feel the beauty of the craftsmanship when pouring drinks or bringing the glass to your lips.

This is a classic old-fashioned glass. Furthermore, precisely because it is a simple clear glass with a regularly applied representative pattern, it is a work that conveys reliable craftsmanship.

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What did you think? Even within "Suki-glass," the impression changes significantly depending on the design and the engraved representative patterns. Also, precisely because it is clear and transparent, there is a charm in how intricate craftsmanship shines through.

*This article was written in 2021. Some products may be out of stock. Please inquire about availability.