Kiriko Day — Another Reason to Celebrate in Early July

Kiriko glasses are a fantastic accompaniment for chilled sake and food in Summer. July 5th is Kiriko day in Japan to celebrate the history of this style glass making, distinguished by designs cut into the glass.

Edo Kiriko was popularized in the mid-19th century by Kagaya Kyubei. It is said that Commodore Perry was very impressed by the intricate cuts on the gift glasses he received. Since then, the technique has been developed and today, artisans enjoy the liberty of designing new and contemporary versions of Kiriko, adding to the evolving legacy.

Guinomi Kai by Horiguchi Kiriko

Guinomi Kai by Horiguchi Kiriko

Guinomi, Hane and Tabane by Horiguchi Kiriko

Guinomi, Hane and Tabane by Horiguchi Kiriko

Japan Suite
Showcasing traditional Japanese crafts and the artisans who create them — their stories and their art in words and visions. Japan’s hand-made crafts have played an integral role in the lives of Japanese for centuries. They are created in response to basic, everyday needs and have long been used in the daily rhythms of life. They come from the earth and from nature, and they are prized for their simplicity and long life. Craftspeople pour their passion, pride and energy into their handiwork, creating objects that can far outlive their creators, but in doing so, they carry on the artist’s legacy. The artisans know their objects can live hundreds of years, and they want to be just as proud of it in 100 years as they are today. So, everyday household items take on a life of their own, their own spirit and their own story. They are unique, one-of-a-kind creations with a character and spirit that grows stronger with regular use. The artist creates the object, but that is just the beginning of the journey. In the hands of its owner, a relationship is created, one that is nurtured across time. Just as we do, these creations will change over time developing new imperfections and new character. Each region and each artisan have their own character. In Japan, this is known as meibutsu. The legacy has been passed down by Japanese artists across time down to today’s craftspeople who are advancing and redefining this tradition. We applaud these artisans, and we strive to support them as they re-interpret the heritage of their predecessors — and we are proud to introduce their work, their stories and the passion they put into their creation here at Japan Suite.
www.japan-suite.com
Previous
Previous

Modern Geisha

Next
Next

Matcha Storms New York!