Held the "Iwakuni Lotus Root Glass Exhibition."
By Glass Studio Maru in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Featured is a pale green glass vessel mixed with lotus root ash.
This series sold out immediately upon opening.
This is the first special exhibition at TSUCHI-YA.
I want to create glassware that is unique to my hometown.
Maru Glass Studio is run by a husband and wife team.
This time, we spoke at the workshop in Iwakuni.
It's a long interview, about 4 minutes long.
From their stories, I sense their personalities and the water of Iwakuni.
I would be happy if you could see and feel the atmosphere.
Yukari's hometown, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture,
It is famous for the Kintai Bridge, which is counted among Japan's Three Most Famous Bridges and Japan's Three Most Unique Bridges, and the Nishiki River.
It was a relaxing place where you could hear the birds singing.
What is Iwakuni lotus root glass?
Unlike pottery, glass cannot use the soil of the land.
So we decided to use a technique of mixing ash into glass to mix in ash from Iwakuni lotus root, a local specialty, to create a color that was unique to us.
Apparently, they deliberately chose to use opaque glass, and went through repeated trial and error to create a unique design that was unique to them.
Even now, the colors vary depending on the season, but he says he wants people to enjoy those differences as well.
I want people to use it casually every day.
"We want to create glassware that is easy to use in everyday life."
Hirofumi is particular about ease of use and ease of holding.
Furthermore, the vertical lines are reminiscent of lotus root.
The popular chopstick rests are made by pressing lotus root into shapes, giving them an adorable shape where no two are exactly alike.
This special exhibition will feature a limited-time lineup of nostalgic and gentle works, including not only cups and vessels but also vases and objects.
Please take this opportunity to visit our store.
Buy online here
<Glass Studio Maru>
Hirofumi Saito
Yuji Saito
Born in 1985 in Oyamazaki Town, Kyoto Prefecture.
In 2009, he entered the Toyama Institute of Glass Art.
Yukari Saito
Yukari Saito
Born in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1983.
In 2010, he entered Toyama Glass Art Institute.
The two met while studying at the Toyama Institute of Glass Art.
After graduating, they each worked at the Toyama Glass Studio,
They each work individually, based in Toyama, while working as assistants to individual Toyama artists.
In 2013, after getting married, the two gradually began working together.
In 2014 , I decided to create my work in the countryside.
Thinking about twin pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing,
Yukari became independent in the countryside of her hometown, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture.
Glass Studio Maru was established.
