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'Yushima' is an old area of Tokyo, where the city still keeps vestiges of the good old Japan. Kimura Glass Co was established in 1910 in the middle of this area. One of the attractions that most of our collection holds, is its delicate "thinness of the material" less than 1mm. Our representing glassware series, called KIKATSU, is among them. We believe that the technique of experienced artisans, who below glass bulbs at the time of the establishment, is made the best use of now in this series. KIKATSU's elegant glasses are not only beautiful but also quite breathtaking when touched with lips. We would say that they could be appreciated by human five senses. At first the KIKATSU glasses were produced to sell for professional users as restaurants and bars. However, very soon, the fascinating design won popularity in the market, and presently they are being dealt among long-established department stores in Tokyo or high-end life style shops. Furthermore, the KIKATSU created a sensation in New York recently. |
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"Edo KIRIKO" and "KIKATSU"
In Kimura Glass's representing glassware series, KIKATSU, a traditional cut-glass technique known as "EDO KIRIKO" is used. The history of "Edo KIRIKO" dates back to 19th century, the end of "Edo Era". "Edo" is an old name of Tokyo.
On 1603 the capital of JAPAN was moved from "Kyoto" to "Tokyo". From them for 300 years we had the era called "Edo". At that time Japan was going to have quite a peaceful period after the long "Age of Civil Wars". The time changed from Samurai period to the time artisans and merchants, when people enjoyed a culture full of variety. It is called "Townspeople Culture". "Edo KIRIKO" was started in the middle of such period by downtown glassware artisans. And its unique has been inherited by artisans to present time. |
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Kimura Glass's "KIKATSU" is produced by our 2 artisans with high level technique of the "Edo KIRIKO". Usually, rather traditional motifs are used for the design of them. Our designer Shizuyo Saegusa, however, creates new motifs of "Edo KIRIKO" that give people a touch of current time. She tries to do so, free from any old concepts, getting inspirations from the fine patter and splashed pattern o Kimono material or old ceramics. Her enthusiastic attitude was accepted by stubborn downtown artisans and seems to have started a revolution in the traditional world of "Edo KIRIKO".
We believe that the remarkably high quality of KIKATSU should also be mentioned. Although each glass is made by hands, every piece holds almost the same size and position of patterns. This is because we have the sensibility typical for us Japanese. We finish each piece very carefully with all our heart. Furthermore, after undertaking a quality control with no compromise, only products that we find satisfying will be sent to the market.
Kimura Glass keeps the spirits of "Made in Tokyo" in Yushima, the old area of Tokyo. |
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>See all the KIKATSU products |
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