Create Unique Glass Art by Cutting Vibrantly Colored Edo Glass

Renowned for Edo Glass with Exquisite Original Coloring

Located in Hirai, Edogawa-ku, offering clear views of the Tokyo Skytree, Nakakin Glass Company Limited was established in 1946. It is one of the few workshops in Tokyo dedicated to the production of Edo glass. The company is credited with the creation of "Edo color overlay blow glass," a technique involving blowing two different colors of glass on top of each other. The color palette is inspired by various elements of Japanese nature, including "sky," "indigo," and "cherry blossom." The beauty resulting from the combination of these colors naturally captivates the senses.

The high-quality glass, known for its ease of manipulation, impresses even seasoned kiriko (glass cutting) artisans. Nakakin Glass Company Limited also produces a wide range of glassware, including faceted ochoko (cups) and glasses cut by the company itself.

Edo glassware adorned with patterns symbolizing good fortune

Traditional Crafts Made by Skilled Artisans

Edo glass dates back to the Edo period (1603-1867) and has evolved into a popular traditional craft. At Nakakin Glass Company Limited, each piece is handmade by artisans using the chubuki (air blowing) or katabuki (mold blowing) techniques. The high-quality glass, crafted with time and effort, undergoes cutting with a diamond board and is adorned with patterns like tortoiseshells and chrysanthemums.

While glass cutting in the Edo period was done on colorless glass, today, various colored glasses like blue, red, and green are used. The cut glass produces captivating shades of dark and light shadows when light passes through it.

Each piece of Edo glass is slowly and carefully handmade in the workshop

Before diving into the glass cutting experience, you will first watch a video of a craftsman making Edo glass. The video highlights the artisanal technique of working in pairs and timing their actions to create two layers of glass. Listening to the explanation enhances your connection to the Edo glass you will hold during the experience. Depending on the day, you might even have the opportunity to visit the workshop in person.

Indexing to create classic patterns

The 8-ounce glass cup comes in two popular colors: "clear sky" and "clear green." "Clear sky" features two layers of clear glass and sky blue glass, while "clear green" consists of two layers of clear glass and green glass. Both options offer eye-catching rich coloring.

Before (right) and after (left) cutting

The exquisite 8-ounce glass features timeless patterns known as koshi (lattice) and tama-kiriko (faceted glass). Faceted glass is distinctive in that only lines are drawn on the glass as a guide for cutting, without any underpainting. This technique, known as marking, involves the craftsman instructing the artisan on drawing the vertical and horizontal lines with a pen.

An Invaluable Hands-on Glass Cutting Experience

Using the lines drawn as a guide, the glass is placed against the rotating blade of the diamond disc, and the cutting process begins. First, challenge yourself with the stage known as "rough rubbing" after watching the craftsman's demonstration. Nakakin Glass's Edo glass is thinly crafted for cutting, allowing the cut to be made easily even without applying much force. It is a moment where you can clearly see how the linear patterns of the cut glass are created through such a process.

See the glass being cut and observe its color transformation as the blade is applied

As the glass transitions to the polishing process, where the cut section is polished, you will notice the gradual transparency emerging in the cut area. The cutting experience is particularly unique, especially when incorporating the "chrysanthemum bottom," a distinctive aspect of Edo glass cutting that reflects beautifully. The step-by-step completion of the pattern will give you a sense of accomplishment that only handcrafting art can deliver.

A Personalized Creation Bringing Vibrancy to Your Everyday Life

The cut glass undergoes additional polishing and is expertly finished by a skilled craftsman. The completed product will be delivered to you within one to two months following the experience (additional shipping fees apply). This unique glass, one-of-a-kind in the world, can be showcased or placed on your dining table. Nakakin Glass Company Limited is dedicated to crafting cut glassware for daily use, to add a touch of brilliance to your dining table.

A skilled craftsman using air-blowing and mold-blowing techniques to create Edo glass