Japanese cut glass has a long history of international interaction. Edo Kiriko is Japanese cut glass from Edo (present-day Tokyo).  It is believed that Edo Kiriko first appeared in 1834, when Kyubei Kagaya opened a glassware shop in the city. A few decades later in 1881, a British glass-cutting engineer, Emmanuel Hauptmann, was invited to train Japanese craftsmen in the latest glass-cutting technology. As a result, Edo Kiriko developed into a beautiful and sophisticated craft. It fuses techniques from abroad with Japanese sensibilities and the passion of Japanese craftsmen.

The Embassy of Japan is hosting an exhibition which presents a glimpse into the tradition of Japanese decorative glass cutting created by today’s craftsmen in Tokyo who strive to innovate and create relevant contemporary pieces.

Demonstrating Edo Kiriko’s delicate intricacies and the play of light and shade, the works are enhanced by imaginative lighting to reveal the full beauty of Japanese Edo Crystal.

Through a dialogue between master craftsman and expert Japanese chef, a number of unique vessels have been created especially to enhance the beauty of Japanese cuisine and are displayed for the first time in this exhibition: the creation of the perfect dish for the perfect dish.






Photographs:
Copyright of Cut-Glass Accents

Edo Kiriko craftsman: Toru Horiguchi

Washoku (Japanese cuisine) chef: Ryosuke Uemura

JICC