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"Kiriko" refers to glass with a cut and engraved pattern. The clear glass combines with the craftsman's pattern for a showy prism-light effect, which captivates the hearts of all those who see it, young or old, male or female. An inherited tradition spanning over 100 years, since the Edo Period, Edo Kiriko is capable of reviving the true harmonious spirit. This is a special container that invokes a multi-color light expression as well as allow you to enjoy the feel of the changing of the seasons. How about choosing Edo Kiriko for a vivid accent at your table, or a beautiful and enjoyable interior item for your lifestyle?

	These color-stained clear glasses are all made by hand - as such, the design and coloring of each one differs slightly. Depending on the weather conditions - the strength of the light, clear or cloudy weather, or rain, the luster of the Kiriko changes slightly for a very artistic item. Enjoying the expression of the seasons and the slight differences in color is just one of the charm points of Edo Kiriko.
※Please note that there may be slight differences in the item pictured here and the one that ultimately reaches you.

Edo Kiriko features many various cut patterns, including Kagome, Kikutsunagi, Nanako, Yarai, and Sasanoha. You won't find these many patterns of cut glass even across the globe. Fundamentally, the patterns are just straight lines crossed in vertically, horizontally, and diagonally, for a natural motif. Please enjoy this smart pattern that the masses from the Edo Period used as a item for their daily life.

Nanako Rokakukagome Hakakukagome Kikutsunagi Asanoha Yarai

The difficult part of making Edo Kiriko is creating the pattern on the outside while paying attention to the inside of the container. The crystal glass is beautifully engraved while paying careful attention to the lines and depth of the geometric pattern for total balance. This increases the brilliance of the glass. With a process that requires such complex, highly-skilled craftsmanship to create an intricate pattern on an minute item, one craftsman can only create 2-3 of these in 1 day.

A mechanism is used to sketch out where the vertical and horizontal lines will be drawn. There are no rough sketches or plans, this is a one-shot hit or miss attempt. This is something that can only be achieved through the refined skills and experiences of a dedicated craftsman. First, the large pattern is carved. Various types of disc-shaped diamond blades are used for the cut width, depth, and shape. Iron blades were used up until 20 years ago, when diamond blades began to be used. Using Dyer 500 whetstone, the intricate pattern is carved. Since the spread of the use of diamonds, more intricate and complex designs have become possible.     Soda glass is polished with fine stone particles (polishing powder) by wood or belt tray. Depending on the type, further polishing may be done by brush or cloth. This completes the process. As crystal glass will be chemically processed, it does not undergo this process. The glass is put against a rotating whetstone to smooth over the cut areas.

"Kiriko" refers to glass with a cut and engraved pattern. Edo Kiriko first originated at Daiden Umamachi in Edo (present day Tokyo) in 1834., when Kyubei Kagaya started exploring the technique of cutting patterns into the surface of glass. It is said today that this is the start of the Edo Kiriko that is known in present times. Although glass-cutting originated in Europe, the arts and skills came to surpass those of Europe to create original arts and crafts that are still being employed in modern times. Stories state the Admiral Perry, who arrived in Japan on the black gunships, was impressed by the skills employed. Fundamentally, the straight lines carved into Kiriko are the same as the lines in kimono that the people of Edo loved. With its symmetric control and detail, it makes for a simple yet cool and showy item. Inherited from the Edo Period, this is a special container that lets you enjoy a pure harmony. Unlike Satsuma Kiriko, the history of Edo Kiriko has survived natural disasters and war without dying out. As it brings culture and usefulness into one's lifestyle, it is said to be "Culture Raised By The People".