Edo Kiriko Crystal Whisky Glass by Kimura Yasunori - Red Mt Fuji

Edo Kiriko (江戸切子)

Edo Kiriko is one of Japan’s most celebrated glass crafts, renowned for its precision, brilliance, and cultural depth. Its story began in 1834 (Tenpō 5), when Kaga-ya Kyubei, a glass merchant in Edo’s Odenmacho district, engraved the first delicate patterns onto glass using fine emery.

During the Meiji era, as Western techniques arrived in Japan, local artisans merged European cut-glass methods with Edo’s refined aesthetic sense. The result was a distinctly Japanese art form—elegant, luminous, and unmistakably Edo Kiriko. Today, this tradition is officially recognized as a Designated Traditional Craft by Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, safeguarding its heritage for future generations.

Precision Cutting & Luminous Luster

The beauty of Edo Kiriko lies in exacting detail. Artisans cut intricate geometric or nature-inspired patterns into colored overlay glass, shaving away the surface to reveal clear crystal beneath. Every line must be perfectly angled—too shallow, and the sparkle fades; too deep, and the structure weakens.

Achieving Edo Kiriko’s signature glow requires multiple stages of polishing by hand, transforming rough cuts into razor-sharp edges that catch and scatter light in dazzling refractions.

The process is unforgiving: even minor errors can ruin a piece. Apprentices may train for ten years or more before mastering the steadiness, pressure control, and sense of balance needed to produce flawless patterns.

Kinaka 金赤 (Gold-Red)

Kinaka, a luminous gold-red, stands at the pinnacle of Edo Kiriko artistry. Its creation involves suspending pure gold particles within molten glass, then guiding temperature and oxidation through a narrow margin of precision—a feat only master artisans can achieve. The low yield, high material cost, and technical difficulty make Kinaka exceptionally rare and costly. Beyond its radiance, Kinaka carries deep cultural symbolism: in Japan, gold-red represents prosperity, vitality, and heartfelt celebration, making each piece a treasured talisman of joy.

Country of origin

Japan

Material

Crystal glass

Size

Diameter 8.3cm

Height 9cm

Capacity 250ml

Box size W110×D117×H110mm

Content

One red whisky glass

Packaged in a signature wooden box, ensuring a memorable gift presentation

Care & Use

• Suitable for cold drinks only.
  
• Not microwave-safe and should not be exposed to open flames.
  
• Made of non-tempered glass and not heat-resistant.
  
• To prevent damage, avoid sudden temperature changes and strong impacts.
  
• Glass can be easily scratched, so handle with care and keep it away from other glassware or hard surfaces.
  
• Hand wash gently using a soft sponge and mild detergent. For cut surfaces, use a bundle brush for thorough cleaning.
  

Note

Small air bubbles, slight colour variations, and differences in thickness are inherent in handmade glass, reflecting its unique character and artisanal craftsmanship. Please consider this characteristic before purchasing.