The other day, I visited the Kobayashi Glass Studio, an Edo Kiriko workshop.
Currently, the studio is run by the third generation, Mr. Yoshio Kobayashi, and the fourth generation, Mr. Kouhei Kobayashi.

Uno glass "Saiun 8078" ¥94,600
*Available only at the Asakusa store

What impressed me most during our conversation was their earnest approach to creation.
Mr. Yoshio Kobayashi's works are characterized by their intricate traditional patterns. Even the kiku-tsunagi (chrysanthemum chain) pattern, commonly used in Edo Kiriko, is said to be deeply and firmly cut in Mr. Kobayashi's works.

Amber Green Kiku-tsunagi Yako Old Glass
¥38,500
*Available at the Asakusa store and online shop

Amber Ruri Kiku-tsunagi Old Glass ¥66,000
*Available only at the Asakusa store

The works that cover about 80% of the glass with the kiku-tsunagi pattern feature intricate cuts created with advanced techniques across the entire surface. The intersections of the kiku-tsunagi are perfectly connected, and the high level of skill shines through in the minute details.

Ruri Kiku-tsunagi Yako Old Glass ¥35,200
Red Kiku-tsunagi Yako Old Glass ¥36,300
*Available at the Asakusa store and Ginza store

Mr. Kouhei's works are one-of-a-kind kiriko created using the sagging technique. While it is common to procure blown glass as the base for kiriko, Mr. Kouhei creates his own original glass from scratch. Among the various expressions of kiriko, his pursuit of originality was particularly striking.

He is also very particular about polishing, and mentioned that acid polishing alone does not achieve the ideal shine, so he also performs hand polishing. The time spent on polishing is said to be about the same as the time spent on cutting, which conveyed how labor-intensive and time-consuming this technique is.

Uno glass "Saiun 8078" ¥94,600
Uno glass "Saiun 6384" ¥94,600
*Available only at the Asakusa store

Amber Ruri Kiku-tsunagi Yako Old Glass ¥38,500
*Available at the Asakusa store and online shop

From October 9 (Fri) to October 18 (Sun), an exhibition of works by Kobayashi Glass Studio will be held at the Ginza store.
We will have Mr. Yoshio Kobayashi's standard works, works not usually available in stores, and Mr. Kouhei's Uno glass.
This will be the Ginza store's first Kiriko exhibition. It is a rare opportunity to see a collection of precious Kiriko pieces. We will announce more details on Instagram and in our newsletter.

Text: Mai Yamamoto Photo: Hiroki Sano

This article is a repost of a newsletter distributed on May 15, 2026. Please note that product availability and prices may have changed.