Inherited traditional handicraft - Edo Kiriko (Faceting)

A traditional Edo craft formerly designated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 1985, Edo Kiriko is a glass product with its surface faceted by craftsmen.
This traditional Edo craft was recognised as a traditional craft designated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 1985. It attracts attention not only in Japan but also abroad for its bold and delicate cuts, coloured coverings such as red and blue, and characteristic patterns such as hemp-leaf and chrysanthemum linkage patterns.
This craft was officially recognised as a traditional handicraft by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2002.

Edo Kiriko materials.

Two main types of glass are used in Edo Kiriko: soda glass and crystal glass.
Crystallised glass is made from lead oxide and is characterised by its heavy, luxurious weight and soft material, which makes it easy to cut.
Soda glass is made of a standard glass material and is characterised by its lightness yet durable.

Edo Kiriko specialty shop Kirameki

We interviewed the Edo Kiriko specialist shop Kirameki in Sarue, Koto-Ward, Tokyo.
The shop is the workshop of Shimizu Hidetaka, who is one of only about 20 people in Japan to be accredited as a traditional Japanese craftsman in the field of Edo Kiriko, a traditional craft designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
In addition to a variety of glasses such as Guinomi (Drinking) glasses, rock glasses and tumblers, a wide range of Edo Kiriko accessories such as earrings and tableware are sold in the shop.

Jumping into the world of Edo Kiriko

Although the world of craftsmanship has a strong image of being passed down from generation to generation, Shimizu-san entered the world of Edo Kiriko with absolutely no experience.
He met Edo faceting and his master when he was in junior high school, and entered the world of Edo Kiriko after graduating from high school.
When he first started, he could only work with polishing and making the glass transparent, which he did repeatedly, but he says his experience there helped him gain the skills he has today.
It took him 10 years of training to be able to call himself a full-fledged craftsman, and as a result of improving his skills, he was able to become independent.
His career spans 15 years since he became independent and 30 years in the world of Edo Kiriko.

Emphasis on hand-polishing

Shimizu-san's craftsmanship is based on the traditional technique of 'hand-polishing'.
There are two main methods used to polish and facet glass: hand-polishing and acid-polishing.
Acid-polishing, which requires soaking in chemicals, is more efficient as it allows a large number of products to be processed at one time.
However, the chemical soaking process also results in a lighter colouring and less edge to the pattern.
But the depth of the edges, which can only be achieved by hand-polishing, and the sense of dignity that the original colour of the coloured cover remains, can be felt because the traditional method has been kept preserved, all of this can be felt because the company continues to adhere to traditional techniques.

Every single piece is polished with care and attention

Thoughts on the traditional craft of Edo Kiriko

Although not affordable, Shimizu-san has a wish for Edo Kiriko to be used as part of everyday tools.
He hopes that by using Edo Kiriko instead of the usual dishes, people can enjoy their daily meals and drinks even more pleasantly. The traditional craft of Edo Kiriko, which is not only a decorative item but also blends into everyday life, is produced on a daily basis.