What is Cased Glass? The Glass Used in Edo Kiriko: Edo Kiriko Explained ⑥
One of the elements that creates the beauty of Edo Kiriko is "cased glass" (irokise glass).
At first glance, it may look like colored glass, but it is actually a "two-layer structure" where a thin layer of colored glass is layered over the surface of clear glass.
This time, we will introduce the mechanism of cased glass and why Glass Studio Saihou is particular about this material.
What is Cased Glass?
Cased glass refers to a material where a thin layer of colored glass is fused over the outside of clear glass.
It has a two-layer structure with an outer layer of colored glass and an inner layer of clear glass. When the colored layer is cut away (kiriko), a beautiful contrast between the clear and colored sections appears.
This mechanism enhances the depth and brilliance when light is reflected and transmitted.
This is an image for illustrative purposes only.
The Delicacy of Thickness and Technique
The thickness of the colored glass casing is only about 1mm.
If it's too thick, it becomes heavy; if it's too thin, it can break during cutting. Therefore, creating a uniform layer requires skilled technique and temperature control.
At Saihou, we primarily use traditional colors such as lapis lazuli, red, and purple, which combine transparency and depth, and finish the material to an optimal thickness.
Why is Cased Glass Chosen?
Cased glass is not merely decorative; it is a material that enriches the expression of Edo Kiriko.
No two pieces are exactly alike, with variations in color shades and light transparency appearing depending on the depth and angle of the cuts.
Lapis lazuli and red cased glass, in particular, are loved by many fans as representative colors of Edo Kiriko.
Glass Studio Saihou's Commitment
At Glass Studio Saihou, we use only domestically produced glass for all of our cased glass.
The transparency, excellent color development, and stability of quality unique to Japanese-made glass make a significant difference in the finished product.
Furthermore, by thoroughly implementing the "hand-polishing" process after cutting, and carefully polishing each piece by hand, we achieve a brilliance comparable to crystal glass.
Summary
Cased glass is an important material that underpins the beauty of Edo Kiriko.
Within its thin layers, the experience, intuition, and skill of artisans are condensed.
The beautiful contrast between transparency and color is truly the essence of the traditional craft of Edo Kiriko.
