Our Visit to Horiguchi Kiriko Studio

Jan 13

We recently went back to Japan for an incredibly enjoyable and inspiring journey to Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara and Shiga. While there, we made some great new friends (which we will write more about in another post), visited many shrines and temples — and met with several artists we have featured on Japan-Suite already — or will be featuring very soon.

Kiriko glass by Toru Horiguchi ©Horiguchi Kiriko

On our first full day there, we headed to downtown Tokyo, which has a different vibe from the more well-known areas like Shibuya and Ginza. It has small family businesses that have been in business for generations. There, we paid a visit to Toru Horiguchi, who is an award-winning Edo Kiriko glass artist we have showcased here previously. He graciously showed us through his workshop, detailing how he works, and what his philosophies and aspirations are.

Horiguchi's all white studio looks like a science lab. He wished to distance his new space away from his family business of 3 generations, so he can realize his own unorthodox creations. This new space that started from scratch, nothingness, was born.

He is extremely committed to showcasing traditional Kiriko glass to a wider audience, an idea we fully agree with and support. Horiguchi-san recently returned from a successful trip to London and intends to be an ambassador for the Kiriko glass tradition.

This time, we discussed the new products Japan Suite will feature in year 2017, please stay tuned!

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.

Our Visit to Horiguchi Kiriko Studio

Warm wishes... from Japan Suite

GREETINGS FROM JAPAN — PART 2