We introduce "Muromachi Glassware" and its "SUI-REN" wine glasses, perfect for those blissful moments enjoying your favorite drink in a unique glass, each featuring beautiful, handcrafted cuts by skilled artisans.
Muromachi Glassware's fundamental mission is to convey the charm of Edo Kiriko and to continue showcasing the works of Japanese artisans, ensuring that their exquisite techniques and meticulous craftsmanship are preserved for future generations.
We received feedback from customers saying, "I often drink wine at home, so I'd love to have a Kiriko wine glass," and "I'm looking for a gift for a wine lover," which led us to create these glasses.
There are three glass shapes. From left: "Bourgogne" (Price ¥35,000 (tax included ¥38,500)), "Sparkling" (Price ¥35,000 (tax included ¥38,500)), "Bordeaux" (Price ¥35,000 (tax included ¥38,500)).
The plate design here is "Kikutsunagi."
Balancing Edo Kiriko Style and Functionality
Our goal was to create a design that allows you to enjoy the vibrant cuts of Edo Kiriko while preserving the original experience of a wine glass—savoring the color, aroma, and taste of red and white wines. A modern wine and champagne glass that combines the functionality of a wine glass with the brilliance unique to Edo Kiriko simply did not exist until now.
"SUI-REN" offers two designs for the plate part.
The one at the back is "Kikutsunagi," featuring the representative traditional Edo Kiriko pattern.
The one in the front is "Nozomi," an original design inspired by one of the traditional patterns.
First, to achieve splendid cuts on the glass, it was necessary to fine-tune the size of the cuts on the cup. If the cuts were too fine, it would lack a three-dimensional effect, resulting in a flat impression and a loss of brilliance. Conversely, if the cuts were too coarse, while achieving a three-dimensional effect, the intricate sparkle unique to Kiriko would be lost. This required a delicate balance, and we went through repeated trials and errors.
Regarding functionality, we deliberately left most of the rim (the part where you drink from) and the cup (the part where you pour the drink) without cuts. This is to preserve the original functionality of a wine glass, allowing you to enjoy the taste and color of the poured wine by retaining a large transparent area of the glass itself.
Furthermore, we also applied cuts to the foot and plate. This gives the entire glass a glamorous appearance while maintaining its functionality.
A Design Achieved Through Masterful Skill
This is how the wine glass was perfected. According to the artisans who apply the cuts, it requires more skill and effort than usual.
For example, cutting the curved glass surface, which is unique to wine glasses. Achieving uniform and beautiful cuts requires more skill than cutting ordinary old-fashioned glasses. Also, for the "Kikutsunagi" pattern on the base (plate), the specialized machine normally used for drawing guide lines (indexing) before cutting cannot be used. Therefore, the entire process of drawing guide lines is done by hand.
For these reasons, the artisans initially looked displeased. However, we were determined to create a wine glass that utilized their superb craftsmanship, and to spread awareness of these skills to more people, ensuring they are passed on to the future. Our vision was realized by skilled workshops and artisans who understood our aspirations.
Gifts that Contribute to the Preservation of Japanese Traditional Crafts
When choosing a wedding gift or a 60th birthday gift, you picture the recipient's face. Especially when giving a gift to someone important whose tastes and preferences you know, you worry whether they will use it and if it will be easy to use.
These wine glasses are easy to use, regardless of preference, gender, or age. We intentionally chose transparent glass so that they blend naturally into various spaces as tableware. The Edo Kiriko traditional patterns applied are also simple. However, the intricate cuts give them a unique sparkle and elegance. They are also available as a pair, making them suitable as commemorative gifts. Furthermore, we recommend them not only for wine but also for enjoying cold sake and Japanese sake.
Easy to use and perfect for gifts. These wine glasses embody Muromachi Glassware's desire, as mentioned at the beginning, to convey the charm of Edo Kiriko and to continue passing on its techniques and meticulous craftsmanship.
In fact, not just for these wine glasses, but for all Edo Kiriko products, the more customers there are, the more artisan power is needed. In other words, it creates work and employment for artisans, revitalizing the industry.
Out of many products, what will you choose? Your daily choices contribute to the future of Japanese traditional crafts. With that in mind, please pick up one of these wine glasses. You'll surely enjoy the skilled techniques, passed down from the Edo period and brought to life by artisans, as they naturally blend into your daily life.
And your enjoyment is nothing short of support for the artisans and the continuation of traditional culture.
To the "SUI-REN" Edo Kiriko Wine Glass product list page
※This article was written in 2021.
Edo Kiriko Wine Glass "SUI-REN"
