The High Skill of Edo Kiriko Creates Beautiful Works
Edo Kiriko is a traditional Japanese craft made of glass, highly popular both in Japan and abroad. This time, we will introduce the history and charm of Edo Kiriko.
・How Edo Kiriko originated in Japan
The history of Edo Kiriko dates back to the Edo period, reportedly beginning in 1834 when Kyubei Kagaya started decorating glass. The name "Edo Kiriko" was given after the war; in the Edo period, it was called "Giyaman" or "Kiriko." "Giyaman" referred to a glass product indicating diamonds in the Netherlands, and "Kiriko" was a term for processing glass at the time.
・Development process of cutting techniques
In the Meiji era, the government began to focus on glass industrial products. First, Emmanuel Hauptmann, a British expert in cutting techniques, was invited to Japan to train Japanese artisans. This became the established glass processing technique for creating modern Edo Kiriko. Around this time, "wheels" began to be used for craftsmanship, and there was an increase in items made from overlay glass rather than clear glass. The glass cutting technique was established, successfully enhancing the appeal of Edo Kiriko.
During Japan's post-war reconstruction period in the Showa era, processing techniques improved, and in the Heisei era, it was designated as a national traditional craft. Today, in the Reiwa era, many Edo Kiriko pieces are produced. It is a noteworthy craft not only popular domestically but also valued overseas as a souvenir or gift. This is the history of "Edo Kiriko."
What are the characteristics of Edo Kiriko? The production process and charm of handwork
Edo Kiriko has characteristics that differentiate it from mass-produced common glass products. This is because skilled craftsmen with cutting techniques finish each piece by hand.
The production involves the following processes:
- "Dividing"
- "Rough grinding"
- "Medium grinding"
- "Stone polishing"
- "Polishing"
Each task demands high skill and experience. "Dividing" requires drawing lines without misalignment, and "medium grinding" tests the artisan's precision in polishing. In grinding, it's necessary to adjust the size of diamond grit for "rough grinding" and "medium grinding." After "polishing," there's "buffing," where polishing powder is used to further polish the entire glass to finish. This process removes fine haziness and creates a beautiful luster. Through a series of processes, a unique pattern reproducible only by Edo Kiriko is created.
All of the above processes involve human hands, achieving delicate patterns that only skilled artisans can create. This is where the unique charm of Edo Kiriko, which fascinates people, lies. It is only when history and high skill combine that beautiful works can be created by the hands of artisans.
Glass Studio "Saihou" where highly skilled craftsmen gather
Saihou has many highly skilled artisans. For example, Kei Hosokoji, a traditional craftsman, is one of those who explore new possibilities for Edo Kiriko and create works for the world. He has received numerous awards in various exhibitions and is one of the few craftsmen certified as a "Traditional Craftsman" in Japan. At Saihou, four individuals, including him, are certified as traditional craftsmen. Additionally, many young staff members support the studio. And to foster successors, they pass on techniques to young craftsmen, specifically traditional patterns and cutting techniques inherited from the Edo period.
・New Challenges from Tradition
While it's important to preserve traditional patterns from the Edo period, Saihou's artisans are also committed to experimenting with new designs. For example, they have created refreshed versions of the widely known "Ichimatsu (checkerboard) pattern" in Edo Kiriko. Furthermore, regarding color variations, they use a diverse range of glass fabrics beyond the standard red and blue. By combining colors, they enhance the appeal of traditional patterns.
3 Beautiful Edo Kiriko Products
Saihou offers a plethora of beautifully designed products. Here are three representative beautiful items:
・M-086-B Kembishi Hoshi Mon (Diamond Star Pattern) Guinomi (Sake Cup) - Ruri (Lapis Lazuli)
This product is a sake cup (guinomi) with the traditional "Kembishi Hoshi Mon" (Diamond Star Pattern) designed on its surface, combining three patterns: "Kembishi" (diamond), "Sasa no Ha" (bamboo leaf), and "Hoshi Mon" (star pattern). It carries the meaning of "praying for a long and healthy life filled with vitality." Soda-lime glass is used for the material, and it is also used as a formal glass tea ceremony utensil. Furthermore, it is a delightful gift for wedding or birth celebrations and as a commemorative item.
・M-266 Yari Hoshi Kasane Mon (Arrow Star Layered Pattern) Old Fashioned Glass
This product features the traditional "Yarai pattern," also used in architecture and kimonos, with stars inside. The brightness of the crystal glass, which diffuses light, matches the exterior. If the glass color changes, the overall impression changes, making it an interior decoration even when not in use. It is mainly designed as a rock glass to enjoy drinking while admiring the design.
・M-7528-BP Hishiuo Kasane Mon (Diamond Scale Layered Pattern) Tenkai Tumbler - Blue Pink
This product features an original "Hishiuo Kasane Mon" (Diamond Scale Layered Pattern) with a modern twist, based on the "Hishiuo" (diamond scale) motif known from the Hojo clan's family crest in Kamakura. It uses soda-lime glass as its base, and with careful consideration of lighting and design, you can freely choose a glass with subtle visual differences, such as different colors on the top and bottom. It can also be used as a tumbler glass for alcoholic beverages or everyday drinks.
The reason Edo Kiriko is an ideal gift is its appealing designs and decorations. Saihou, in particular, is committed to the quality of its glass materials, allowing for enjoyment of various traditional patterns. Moreover, since it does not deteriorate over time, the ability to long cherish a valuable craft is also an attractive feature of these three products.
