What is Edo Kiriko Cut Glass?
A Tradition Cut in Glass
Edo Kiriko 江戸切子
Defined by precision, color and light, Edo Kiriko celebrates the enduring beauty of Japanese cut-glass craftsmanship.
The Making of Edo Kiriko
Crafted by Hand, Cut with Precision
From shaping the glass to each precise hand-cut pattern, every Edo Kiriko piece is created through a meticulous process that demands patience, skill, and years of experience. As light passes through the finished cuts, the craftsmanship reveals itself in layers of brilliance, texture, and depth.
A Legacy of Edo Kiriko
Edo kiriko is the most famous glass craftwork in Japan. It originated in the city of Edo, Tokyo's name during the Edo period (1603-1868). Kiriko means "cut glass", henceEdo Kirikomeans "Glass cut from the city of Edo". Edo kiriko sake glasses and other types of glassware are still very popular today.
Originally, patterns were cut on a transparent and colorless glass surface; however, new techniques were introduced during the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Japan first opened its doors to the outside world after having isolated itself for over 200 years. The style of Edo kiriko made with colored glass, started being produced in large quantities during this time. Today, Edo kiriko is known for its intricate designs cut into blue, red, or other colored glass. The most typical design is called nanako or fish eggs because it is composed of numerous fine, straight lines that resemble round fish eggs. However, a closer look reveals the design is actually composed of many small squares arranged side by side. Other quintessential Japanese designs include plants such as chrysanthemums or hemp leaves.
Crafted Through Generations
The Art Behind Every Form
Passed down through generations, traditional techniques transform simple materials into objects of remarkable character, preserving the precision and artistry of Japanese craftsmanship.
History
Edo kiriko is considered to have begun in 1834 in the late Edo period (1603-1868), when Kyubei KAGAYA, the owner of a glass wholesale firm in Edo, first tried to design a glass using emery powders.
During the Meiji period (1868-1912), as part of the government's policy of promoting Japanese industrialization, a modern glass factory was constructed. In 1881, the government invited Emmanuel HAUPTMANN, a British glass-cutting engineer, to Japan. He taught his knowledge and techniques to the Edo kiriko artisans, which led to British cut glass technology merging with Edo kiriko techniques.
Furthermore, another famous cut glass style called Satsuma kiriko stopped its production at the end of the 19th century, resulting in many unemployed artisans migrating to Edo with their Satsuma kiriko traditions. With the artisans moving in with their techniques, the method of using color coated glass was soon absorbed into the production of Edo kiriko.
From the Taisho period (1912-1926) through the early days of the Showa period (1926-1988), cut glass was called wa glass (meaning "Japanese-style glass"). It became extremely popular, and the upper classes used them for drinking glasses, tableware, or lampshades. The leading manufacturers of Edo kiriko were founded at the beginning of the 20th century and are still active today.
意匠
Design
Each Edo Kiriko piece begins with the design. MASU’s Edo Kiriko artisans carefully consider the arrangement, scale and balance of the pattern, planning how each motif will flow naturally around the form of the glass.
Rather than drawing the entire pattern onto the surface, the artisan works from an understanding of traditional geometry, proportion and the individual character of each piece. These early decisions establish the visual harmony and precise framework that will guide every stage of craftsmanship to follow.
割り出し
Pattern Marking
Once the design has been established, MASU’s artisans begin waridashi (割り出し), marking essential reference lines and points directly onto the surface of the glass. These measured guidelines establish the position, spacing and symmetry of the pattern before cutting begins.
Only the necessary references are marked rather than the complete design. From these simple guides, the artisan relies on a trained eye, steady hand and years of experience to translate the intended pattern accurately across the curved surface of the glass.
粗摺り
First Cuts
The first cutting stage, known as arazuri (粗摺り), establishes the fundamental structure of the design. MASU’s Edo Kiriko artisans guide the glass carefully against a rotating cutting wheel, gradually forming the principal lines and broader elements of the pattern.
These initial cuts are developed progressively rather than being brought immediately to their final depth and width. The artisan continuously adjusts the angle, pressure and position of the glass by hand, creating a precise foundation for the more intricate cutting stages that follow.
三番掛け
Detailed Cutting
Building upon the initial cuts, MASU’s artisans move into sanbangake (三番掛け), developing the pattern with finer, smoother and increasingly detailed cuts. The glass is carefully guided against the rotating wheel as smaller geometric elements and precise intersections begin to take shape.
At this stage, the full complexity of the design gradually emerges. Each movement requires careful control of angle and pressure, while the artisan’s trained eye ensures that the pattern remains balanced, rhythmic and symmetrical around the glass.
石掛け
Adjustments & Refinement
Once the main pattern has taken shape, the glass progresses to ishikake (石掛け), where the individual cuts are carefully refined using finer abrasive tools and whetstones. MASU’s Edo Kiriko artisans smooth the worked surfaces while sharpening delicate edges, intersections and smaller details.
This is an important final stage of the cutting process, requiring particular care to preserve the intended depth and character of each line. Through patient refinement, the individual cuts come together as a precise and harmonious composition.
磨き・バフ掛け
Polishing
After cutting and refinement, the worked surfaces of the glass remain comparatively matte and must be carefully polished to reveal their clarity and brilliance. During migaki (磨き), MASU’s artisans progressively smooth and polish the cut surfaces, restoring transparency to the intricate pattern.
The finishing continues with bafugake (バフ掛け), a final buffing process that further refines the surface and enhances its lustre. As clarity returns to each precisely cut facet, light begins to travel through the pattern with the depth, contrast and distinctive sparkle characteristic of Edo Kiriko.
最終検品
Final Quality Inspection
Once the finishing process is complete, every MASU Edo Kiriko piece undergoes a careful final inspection. Held under strong light and examined from different angles, the finished glass is reviewed for the precision and symmetry of its pattern, the clarity of its cut surfaces and the consistency of the overall finish.
The artisan also examines the interaction of light across the individual facets, looking closely for details that may only become visible when the glass is illuminated. Only after the craftsmanship has been carefully reviewed is the piece considered complete and ready to leave the hands of the artisan.
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