Edo Kiriko 江户切子

Edo Kiriko, which originated in the Edo period and still fascinates the world today

Kiriko refers to cut glass. It is said that it began in 1834, when Bidoroya Kagaya Kyubei of Edo Tenmacho carved patterns into the surface of glass with emery. In the early Meiji period, Japan's first Western-style glass factory was built, and the country actively developed the glass industry and trained technicians.

In the midst of this, cutting technician Emmanuel Hauptman was invited from England in 1881. He taught the Edo Kiriko cutting technique, which is still connected to today's technology. Edo Kiriko cutting techniques evolved greatly. From the Taisho period to the early Showa period, crystal glass polishing techniques were developed, and Edo Kiriko grew into a glass craft that represents Japan.

Edo Kiriko is not produced by a single organization or workshop, but a collective craft system consisting of multiple workshops that inherit different techniques and styles. Each workshop creates unique works based on its own patterns, colors, cutting techniques and concepts.

In 1985, it was designated as a traditional craft industry by Tokyo, and in 2002, it was designated as a traditional craft by the country. Currently, modern designs have been created in collaboration with young designers, and they continue to fascinate the world with their beautiful brilliance.

KAGAMI - 

KAGAMI's cut glass, featuring a high refractive index, has earned unparalleled reputation both in Japan and abroad for the depth and the sharpness of cuts as well as for its elegant design. Using this technique, geometric patterns are rendered on the surface of glassware with various grinding wheels. Basically, all cut patterns are combinations of the following four types of cuts: V-shaped, convex, hollow, and flat. Cutting is the most important processing technique that makes the brilliance of crystal glass stands out remarkably.

Nemoto Glass Crafts - 

Founded in 1959 by Yukio Nemoto, Nemoto Glass Craft has been instrumental in preserving and advancing the art of Edo Kiriko. After surviving World War II, Yukio established his own glass studio at the age of 23. His dedication to the craft earned him the prestigious Medal with Yellow Ribbon, making him the first person in the Edo Kiriko industry to receive this honor. Today, his son and grandson continue the family tradition, upholding the high standards set by Yukio. Kosho Nemoto, the third-generation artisan of Nemoto Glass Craft, brings a contemporary flair to the traditional Edo Kiriko. Known for his innovative designs, Kosho combines delicate and bold cuts to create pieces that are both sophisticated and captivating from any angle. 

Nabetani Glass Crafts - 

Nabetani Glass Crafts, founded in the 20th century in Tokyo. The studio, under the leadership of master artisan Junichi Nabetani, is especially known for its elegant layering glass and its intricate, hand-carved designs that showcase both classical motifs and modern interpretations. Today, the studio continues to uphold the spirit of Edo craftsmanship while innovating within the bounds of traditional glass art. Junichi Nabetani, a certified traditional craftsman of Tokyo. Known for his mastery of “irokise glass” (color-layered glass), Nabetani skillfully applies colored overlays, then meticulously hand-cuts geometric patterns to reveal intricate internal layers. The pieces in the image feature precise hemp leaf and basket weave motifs, both demanding a high level of cutting accuracy. The resulting forms create a brilliant play of light and reflection. 

Harisho Yamada Glass - 

This is one of the few workshops in Sumida, a downtown area of Tokyo, that has been using both Edo Kiriko and Hana Kiriko techniques for four generations. One of Yamada Glass's signature original cuts is "Yukari Tsunagi." The entire piece is decorated with thin chrysanthemum patterns, one of the most popular Edo Kiriko patterns, and the margins are polished into a circle. The continuous lines and circles express "connection," making it an auspicious pattern. The main feature is that the pattern on the opposite side is reflected from the circular part. The pattern in front and the reflected pattern connect to create a complex, deep, space-like impression. It is a design that is never boring to look at, and has been praised by many people.

GLASS-LAB - 

Established in 1950, GLASS-LAB traces its origins to the “Shiina Glass Processing Studio” founded by Shiina Mitsuo, the grandfather of the current generation. As a specialized glass studio, the mission is to move the hearts of recipients by “co-creating” meaningful glass products together with the giver through a personalized gifting service. Shiina Kiriko is an Edo Kiriko brand produced by GLASS-LAB. It features a unique approach to Edo Kiriko by combining two advanced techniques: the traditional Hirakiriko method—mastered by only around ten artisans in Japan—and high-precision sandblasting capable of polishing to a thickness of just 0.09 mm. The most distinctive feature is the way the polished side of the glass reflects the bottom pattern like a kaleidoscope. When filled with water, sake, or other liquids, the intricate designs gradually emerge in a beautiful display.