Edo Kiriko is a traditional Japanese craft where skilled cut-glass artisans meticulously cut traditional patterns into glass blanks, one by one. Even if the designs are the same, no two pieces are exactly alike, making it a proud traditional craft of Japan.

Among these, large Edo Kiriko pieces such as bowls, vases, and platters are often created as "one-of-a-kind" works. These pieces are frequently made for exhibition or as custom orders. What do they represent to the artisans? Here, we ask artisans who create these unique "works" about their pieces and their passion for creating them.

This time, we interviewed Kei Hosokoji, a certified traditional craftsman and artisan at "Mitsuwa Glass Craft." In 2021, his work received the Director-General of the Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Award at the "33rd Edo Kiriko New Works Exhibition," which showcased energetic works by young artisans. Here are the stories behind his award-winning piece.

Kei Hosokoji's work: "Kiku Karakusa Mizusashi" (Chrysanthemum Arabesque Water Jar)

"I don't want to be an artist; I want to be an Edo Kiriko craftsman and a designer. So, I hope the pieces I create will be seen as 'good' by many people and enrich their lives," says Hosokoji. He believes that his creative process begins by considering what customers want and what kind of Edo Kiriko is needed for modern living.

One such new world from Hosokoji is the "Kiku Karakusa Mizusashi" (Chrysanthemum Arabesque Water Jar). This piece features dynamic curves of the arabesque pattern and delicate cuts of the chrysanthemum pattern. Peering inside, a large flower blossoms at the bottom.

"With this 'Kiku Karakusa Mizusashi,' I aimed to create a piece that blends into the space when displayed, making the place and time feel richer and more valuable. I had the glass blank first, so I considered what would suit its shape and color, and it took me about a month to create it."

"The most challenging part was probably the arabesque pattern. For the shape and color of this particular glass, I thought smaller curves in the pattern would be more beautiful and balanced, so I bent them as much as I possibly could with cut glass. This also adds elegance when viewing the piece as a whole."

"Please feel it as you see it, without preconceptions," Hosokoji also says. He hopes that viewers will enjoy imagining what changes adding this piece to their living space might bring.

Hosokoji's Edo Kiriko combines boldness and precision, incorporating traditional patterns while also giving a modern impression. Please enjoy it at your leisure.

Q & A

——Please tell us what you'd like to challenge next with your "works."

"Actually, I haven't decided specifically what I'll challenge yet. But this piece was one of my own challenges. I want to continue creating works that no one has made before, and to create new value."

Kei Hosokoji

Born in Okayama Prefecture in 1982. At Mitsuwa Glass Craft, founded in 1971, he is dedicated to manufacturing and creating works alongside other young Edo Kiriko artisans in their 20s and 30s. In 2009, he received an honorable mention at the "Edo Kiriko New Works Exhibition." In 2019, he was certified as a traditional Japanese craftsman.

※This article was written in 2023. Some products may no longer be available. Please inquire about availability.