Engraving Light: The Making of Edo Kiriko, How Glass Becomes a Traditional Craft
2025.08.20
Engraving Light: The Making of Edo Kiriko, How Glass Becomes a Traditional Craft
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Recently, while browsing a shop, I stumbled upon a stunning Edo Kiriko glass tucked away in a corner. The intricate patterns etched into the pale, azure-colored glass caught the light, exuding a quiet yet undeniable presence. As I found myself captivated by its glow, a simple question popped into my head.
How exactly are such delicate and precise designs carved into this hard glass? I was captivated by the untold story behind it all—the immense time and handiwork poured into a single piece before it ever reaches us. In this article, we'll take a closer look, step-by-step, at the intricate process of creating Edo Kiriko.

The Long Journey to Becoming a Master Artisan

To truly appreciate the Edo Kiriko creation process, we must first understand the time it takes to master the craft. Typically, it takes about five to ten years for an artisan to be considered a 'master' in their own right. And this isn't just about learning how to accurately cut standard patterns.

This extensive period is essential for building the wide-ranging expertise of a skilled artisan. It involves mastering the use and unique qualities of various tools, developing an eye for the distinct characteristics of each piece of glass, achieving both precision and speed in cutting, and honing a sense for artistic expression and design. Furthermore, they must possess the comprehensive technical skill to handle requests for modifications. Behind every single glass lies years of this dedicated training and accumulated experience.