The art of the table glittering

Edo Kiriko is the change in glass. Using diamond wheels, this nearly two hundred-year-old Tokyo craft carved transparent or stained glass into complex patterns that capture and break the sunshine, turning everyday boats into bright works of art. Each line, curve and pattern is hand-cut, with precise rhythm and patience for generations.

For more than a century, Edo Kiriko has been a precious luxury in Japan, known for its craftsmanship and elegance. Despite its long history, it is surprisingly modern: clear geometric cuts, subtle gradients and occasional bold color dispersions give each piece a contemporary refinement.

These hand-carved works are obviously Japanese, officially designated as traditional handicrafts in Tokyo and are still rare abroad. Online Store Koikiya Tokyo Aim to change that. With this service, collectors and enthusiasts from around the world can now experience the talents of Edo Kiriko, bringing back Tokyo’s heritage and sophisticated craftsmanship.

Tradition and craftsmanship at your fingertips

Tokyo Koikiya is an online shopping website run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and provides traditional handicrafts to domestic and international customers. Platform carrying Various Edo Kiriko productseach person is produced by a supervisor who specializes in maintaining this timeless art.

Among these products are the exquisite work of Harisho Yamada Glass, a workshop at Sumida Ward in Tokyo that has shaped four generations of Edo Kiriko. Current seminar leader Masaaki Yamada works with his father and young son and keeps traditional techniques while introducing new patterns and modern color schemes. The workshop produced a series of fascinating patterns, each of which reflected the meticulous craftsmanship.

Through Koikiya in Tokyo, these outstanding works are no longer limited to workshops – collectors around the world can easily take home Kiriko.

Edo Kiriko: Arts and crafts rooted in history

Edo Kiriko’s roots date back to the early 19th century, when craftsmen in Edo (Today’s Tokyo) began to try cutting techniques for imported glass from the West. Over time, this practice developed into a unique style: clean geometric cutting, refined themes and capturing the brilliance of light in motion.

Since its founding 80 years ago, Yamada Glass has passed on traditional Edo Kiriko technology and is also innovating along the way. An example is Kirico Technology – A technology independently developed by Yamada Glass – creates subtle gradients by pressing glass on a rotating disk. With this soft style, life-style animal and floral patterns can be created, such as Yamada’s iconic cherry blossoms.

One of the most unique features of Yamada Glass is its use Yukari Tsunagia pattern of overlapping lines and circular reflections, symbolizing connection and destiny. This is used in a design that quotes Hokusai’s famous Woodblock print Heavy rain at the top of the mountain.

Yamada’s personal favorite is SeigaihaOr “Blue Waves”, a pattern originating from ancient Persia, reaching Japan along the Silk Road. However, not all patterns are traditional – some are playful, e.g. Mizutama MangekyouOr “dot kaleidoscope”.

Making of Edo Bison

The creation of Edo Kiriko requires precision and patience. Yamada Yamada’s work is made of Hokkaido-blown glass and is taken to Tokyo for completion. From there, Yamada takes the blank container and cuts it into it with a diamond wheel and etches the pattern with hard precision. A slip and the job is lost. The final polish, perhaps the most demanding stage, requires a complete focus on the transparency and gloss of the glass.

Complex glass can take almost a full day to complete. On average, Yamada produces five to six pieces a day. “When I first started, I had to focus strongly on just to do straight lines and the movements were repetitive, so it would be hard for me to stay awake at times,” he recalled with a smile. “Now, after years of practice, my hands know the movements. I can even chat with father and son at work. Every part of the process is fun.”

Contrary to their delicate appearance, the Edo Kiriko glasses are surprisingly firm and durable – not only the subject of beauty, but also enough to accommodate everyday use, whether it’s on the dining table or at night.

Sanda recalls that when he showed and sold glasses overseas, many visitors stopped to appreciate the intricate craftsmanship and unique sparks. From these experiences, he firmly believes that Edo Kiriko has the ability to convey his charm beyond words.

“If Edo Kiriko becomes more well-known and used in daily life overseas, more people will realize its complement to Japanese whiskey and sake,” he said. He dreams of the day when Edo Kiriko blends Japanese aesthetics with practicality, blending tables around the world.

Discover Edo Kiriko with Koikiya Tokyo

pass Koikiya TokyoThis is a carefully curated destination for Tokyo’s fashionable traditional handicrafts.

Explore the complete Edo Kiriko Collectionor discover art Yamada Glass.