Crafting a single piece of Edo Kiriko requires decades of mastery. It is a meticulous journey from molten fire to exquisite crystal.
Blowing
Raw materials are melted at 1500°C into pure liquid glass, then hand-shaped by master blowers. For colored pieces, multiple layers of glass are fused in the furnace, then slowly annealed in a cooling kiln for over 16 hours to ensure structural integrity and diamond-like stability.
Marking
The process begins with "Zen-gyo"—the hand-drawing of horizontal and vertical reference lines. This grid serves as the only guide for the intricate dance between the artisan’s hand and the grinding wheel.
Rough Carving
Guided by years of intuition rather than machines, the artisan uses a coarse diamond wheel to carve the initial bold patterns. This stage requires immense physical strength and a steady hand to define the soul of the design.
Fine Carving
Switching to finer grinding wheels and natural whetstones, the craftsman meticulously refines every line. This stage transforms raw cuts into delicate, light-refracting textures.
Detailing
The final intricate motifs are hand-carved with microscopic precision. This is where the artisan’s true skill shines—creating a mesmerizing play of light that defines authentic Edo Kiriko.
Hand-Polishing
Instead of chemical dipping, we use traditional rubber and cloth wheels with specialized polishing compounds. This labor-intensive manual polish preserves the sharp edges of the carvings while bestowing the glass with its signature brilliant luster.
