Each piece of Edo Kiriko is handcrafted by artisans. Among these, larger Edo Kiriko pieces such as bowls, vases, and large plates, as well as Edo Kiriko with free cuts that are not bound by traditional patterns, are produced as "one-of-a-kind" items. What do these pieces, often made for exhibitions or custom orders, mean to the artisans?

Here, we interview an artisan who dedicates himself to such "one-of-a-kind" creations. We ask about his thoughts on his works and the process of creating them. This time, we feature Kei Hosokoji, a certified traditional craftsman who is passionate about his work and creations as an artisan at "Mitsuwa Glass Craft."

“Flower and Butterfly” by Kei Hosokoji

Previously, in an interview, Mr. Hosokoji told us, "Edo Kiriko is a part of my life. It's something I love and also my job. So, there's no boundary between my own creations and commercial products." He believes that rather than his own feelings being poured into a piece, he hopes it becomes something that many people find "good" and that their feelings can resonate with it.

This piece, "Flower and Butterfly," won the Tokyo Metropolitan Governor's Award at the 26th Edo Kiriko New Works Exhibition. Beyond the beauty of the motif, the ingenuity of its idea and meticulous perspective are breathtaking.

"Blue is a color that feels cold, but I wanted to express the warmth of spring in the scene of a flower and butterfly. I achieved this by cutting away all the surrounding color of the motif, making it transparent. Furthermore, by engraving the small sparkles of the Kiku Tsunagi pattern, I finished it to be a warmer piece."

"Flower and Butterfly" was inspired by the emotion of looking at a butterfly on a flower through a camera and seeing the beauty of a blue butterfly in a photograph. It took about a month to create, but because the color in the cut areas would disappear and become transparent during the final polishing, he himself didn't know the final outcome until the very end.

Q & A


——Does creating "large-scale" pieces hold a special meaning for Edo Kiriko artisans?

"Because they are one-of-a-kind and I can design them as I like, I can challenge myself with difficult expressions that take time. Therefore, my current skills and values are reflected in them, so you could say that you can understand the artisan by looking at their work."

——Do your feelings and process differ when creating items that fit in the palm of your hand, such as glasses or sake cups, compared to larger pieces?

"Basically, when I create glasses or sake cups, which are often commercial products, I prioritize efficiency and careful thought as part of the job."

——What do you want to convey through "large-scale" pieces?

"I'm challenging myself with new expressions. I want people to see realistic expressions that are unlike anything else."

——Please tell us what you'd like to challenge next with "large-scale" pieces.

"I don't have anything concrete in mind yet, but I want to challenge new things. I believe there's still a lot of potential for expression in glass."

Kei Hosokoji
Born in Okayama Prefecture in 1982. At Mitsuwa Glass Craft, established in 1971, he is dedicated to manufacturing and creating works alongside young Edo Kiriko artisans in their 20s and 30s. He received an Honorable Mention at the 2009 Edo Kiriko New Works Exhibition. In 2019, he was certified as a Traditional Craftsman of Japan.

※This article was written in 2023. Some products may be discontinued. Please inquire for availability.