The origin of this technique lies in the art of glass engraving. Enter the world of Edo Kiriko cut-glass crafting that stretches over 130 years
Edo Kiriko cut-glass first emerged in 1834, in the Japanese Tenpo period. It is said that Mr.Kagaya Kyubei, a merchant who ran a glass shop in Edo's Odenma-cho district, pioneered the technique by using emery sand to engrave glass surfaces. By the early Meiji era, the craft techniques that have been passed down to the present day had been established.
Asakusa Ojima was founded in the early Meiji era, when Edo Kiriko cut-glass was beginning to spread throughout Japan. It began when founder Kiyotsugu Ojima established a workshop in Kinshicho, Sumida-ku, Tokyo. It expanded its business to ride the wave of a rapidly growing demand for glass crafting. In the 1990s, Mr. Nobuo Ojima, the second-generation shop head, opened a direct sales store on Denpoin Street in Asakusa. In 2015, Mr. Eiji Ojima, the third-generation shop head, relocated the workshop from Katsushika-ku, to Asakusa. Previously, the shop primarily conducted business through wholesalers, but in recent years, it has focused on direct sales and the creation of custom-made products.
Create your own original pattern in this Edo Kiriko cut-glass crafting activity
In this activity, you will choose one of beverage glass from among three choices and use Kiriko cut-glass techniques to engrave an original pattern you design yourself. The choices are a tumbler, a beer glass, and a mini glass. Clear glass is easy to work with for Kiriko cut-glass techniques, making it simple for beginners to create beautiful patterns.
After receiving instructions on the process, sketch your design onto your chosen glass using an oil-based magic marker. The shape and number of patterns is completely up to you. Make whatever design you want, from flowers and birds that match the season to your favorite words and characters, or anything else you like. But don’t worry if you cannot think of something to draw. Drawing inspiration from artisan glasswork, you will easily be able to envision a finished glass pattern that excites you.
After you finish your sketch, it is time to start crafting your Kiriko cut-glass. First, you start with a test cut on an easy area. After getting the feel of engraving glass, touch the rotating wheel to the glass in a way that feels as if you are erasing the magic marker line on the glass. The glass engraving wheel has safety components that make it extremely unlikely to suffer injury even if you touch the wheel directly. Even if it's your first time doing Edo Kiriko cut-glass crafting, it is easy and safe to try.
Seeing the pattern slowly emerge in the glass is exciting
The key to engraving skillfully is, “Holding the glass firmly with both hands and not pressing too hard against the wheel,” says Mr. Taichi Ojima, the eldest son of the third-generation shop head. By expanding the point where the glass and wheel meet by moving in a circular motion, you can create patterns of various sizes. Together with the sound of glass being engraved, the pattern slowly takes shape. You will get more and more excited as the pattern on the glass gradually becomes clearer.
Once you've finished engraving over the magic marker lines, wipe away the sketch for the final touch and you're done. The crafting time takes about an hour. The one-of-a-kind Edo Kiriko cut-glass you created with your own hands will become a cherished companion that enriches your life forever.
Experience the breathtaking technique of artisans who live in a world of traditional crafting
After the glass activity, a demonstration of Edo Kiriko cut-glass crafting by artisans awaits. Choose your favorite one design from five patterns, and an artisan will craft it for you on the spot. Mr. Eiji Ojima, the performer, third-generation Asakusa Ojima shop head. This artisan has dedicated over 40 years to tradition, and seeing him working his Kiriko cut-glass craft is nothing short of breathtaking.
You can take his finished and completed glass back home together with your own glass. After returning home, place the two glasses on the table and enjoy your favorite beverage while thinking back on the activity.
A symbol of Edo culture that highlights the beauty of each season
Mr. Eiji Ojima comments, “The glasses are wonderful to use, but displaying them as decor is also fun. I want Edo Kiriko cut-glass to play a part in informing people that there are old traditions that have been preserved in Tokyo.” The flowers and animals depicted on Edo Kiriko cut-glass represent Edo culture’s love for the beauty of each season. Enjoy the seasonal changes in your own environment with an Edo Kiriko cut-glass in hand.
Founded in Kinshicho, Sumida-ku,Tokyo, by Mr. Kiyotsugu Ojima, the first-generation shop head in the mid-Meiji era. In the late 1990s, the company established a direct sales store on Asakusa's Denpoin Street, and 20 years later, they relocated their workshop to Asakusa. Through Edo Kiriko cut-glass crafting classes, they strive to widely promote traditional craftsmanship. From traditional patterns to contemporary designs, the shop's commitment to producing a wide range of works has garnered high praise both domestically and internationally. Edo Kiriko cut-glass was designated as a traditional crafts of Tokyo in 1985 and a Japan’s Nationally Designated Traditional Craft Products by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2002.
