Edo Glass is a general term for glassware handcrafted piece by piece by artisans, carrying on techniques that developed in the old Edo region (present-day Tokyo). It is said to have begun in the early 18th century, when Kagaya (Minagawa) Kyubei of Nihonbashi Toshiocho made mirrors and eyeglasses, and Kazusaya Tomesaburo of Asakusa made hairpins and wind chimes; by the late 19th century it had grown into one of Tokyo's leading industries. Whereas Edo Kiriko is characterized by decorative cut-glass patterns, Edo Glass centers on plain glassware shaped without molds through 'free-blowing (mold-free glassblowing)' -- using only a blowpipe and molten glass -- or through 'mold-blowing,' in which the glass is blown into a mold, giving it a simple, warm texture. It has produced many everyday items rooted in daily life, such as cups, glass bowls, goldfish bowls, and Edo furin (wind chimes), and, unlike mass-produced imports, is also highly regarded for custom-made items such as wine glasses and sake vessels, thanks to its ability to handle small-batch, many-variety production. It was designated a Traditional Craft Designated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 2002 and a Traditional Craft Designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2014, and today many small, workshop-style glass studios continue to pass down the technique, mainly in Sumida, Koto, and Edogawa wards.
Origin
The origins of Edo Glass date back to the early 18th century. It is said to have begun when Kagaya (Minagawa) Kyubei of Nihonbashi Toshiocho made items such as mirrors and eyeglasses, and Kazusaya Tomesaburo of Asakusa made hairpins and wind chimes. Glassmaking techniques that had arrived from China and Europe merged with traditional Japanese craftsmanship, and glassmaking skills took root in the town of Edo.
History
From the Edo through the Meiji era, glass production gradually expanded, and by the end of the 19th century it had flourished into one of Tokyo's leading industries. Despite earthquakes and wartime destruction, many small, workshop-style glass studios clustered mainly along the Sumida River, continuing to produce everyday items such as cups, goldfish bowls, and Edo furin. It was designated a Traditional Craft Designated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in 2002 and a Traditional Craft Designated by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2014, and the value of this handwork has been reappraised in recent years.
Features
The defining feature of Edo Glass is handwork -- 'free-blowing,' which shapes glass using only a blowpipe and molten glass without any mold, and 'mold-blowing,' in which glass is shaped by blowing it into a wooden or metal mold. Unlike Edo Kiriko, which is decorated with cutting, Edo Glass is left plain, making the most of the material's transparency and the character of its air bubbles for a warm finish. Distinct from overseas mass-production methods, its small-batch, many-variety production system is highly valued for its flexibility in meeting custom orders for items such as wine glasses and sake vessels.
Techniques
Free-blowing (mold-free glassblowing)
A technique in which molten glass gathered on a blowpipe is freely shaped in the air by blowing, without using any mold. It demands a high degree of skill and sensitivity from the artisan, but allows for free-form expression.
Mold-blowing
A technique in which molten glass gathered on a blowpipe is inserted into a wooden or metal mold and shaped by blowing. It allows uniformly shaped products to be made efficiently and is well suited to producing items such as cups in quantity.
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Batching and melting
Raw materials such as silica sand and soda ash are mixed and melted in a high-temperature furnace to create molten glass.
- 2
Gathering
Molten glass is gathered onto the tip of a blowpipe, preparing it for shaping.
- 3
Shaping (free-blowing or mold-blowing)
Using free-blowing or mold-blowing, the artisan blows air into the glass to shape it into a vessel.
- 4
Trimming the rim and slow cooling
After shaping, the rim of the vessel is trimmed and finished, and the piece is slowly cooled in an annealing oven to prevent cracking from rapid cooling.
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Artisans & Workshops
中金硝子総合株式会社
Founded in 1946, this Edo Glass workshop is located in Hirai, Edogawa Ward. Skilled artisans hand-make each piece using free-blowing and mold-blowing techniques, and the workshop also accepts cutting experiences on overlay glass.
Official site →廣田硝子株式会社
Founded in 1899 (Meiji 32), this is one of Tokyo's oldest glass makers. Carrying on the techniques of Edo Glass and Edo Kiriko, it produces items built on a commitment to handmade craftsmanship rather than efficiency.
Official site →How to Buy
- 廣田硝子 公式オンラインショップ
- The directly run online shop of this long-established glass maker, founded in 1899. It carries tableware and glasses made using Edo Glass techniques, as well as products combining them with Edo Kiriko; prices are approachable, starting from around 2,000 yen for a single glass.Where to buy →PR
- 中金硝子総合株式会社
- Sold directly from the workshop in Hirai, Edogawa Ward, offering overlay glass and Edo Glass products; reservation-based workshop tours are also available. It carries pieces that let customers enjoy the individual variation unique to handmade glass.Where to buy →PR
Hands-on Experiences
中金硝子総合株式会社
東京都江戸川区平井2-11-29
Held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 10:30, 13:30, and 15:30 (reservation required, up to 2 people per session). Visitors cut patterns into an overlay glass tumbler or small plate; prices are around 8,800 yen for a glass and 11,000 yen for a small plate.
View details →FAQ
Q. What is the difference between Edo Glass and Edo Kiriko?
A. Edo Kiriko refers to glassware decorated by cutting patterns into its surface, while Edo Glass refers to the plain glassware itself, shaped through free-blowing or mold-blowing. An Edo Glass vessel with Edo Kiriko cutting applied to it can also be called Edo Kiriko.
Q. Where is Edo Glass made?
A. Many glass workshops are clustered mainly along the Sumida River, in Sumida, Koto, and Edogawa wards. Workshops such as Nakakin Glass and Hirota Glass, which carry on techniques dating back to the Edo period, continue to make products by hand today.