toru horiguchi innovates japan’s 200-year old tradition of glass design

toru horiguchi innovates japan’s 200-year old tradition of glass design
all images courtesy of japan suite

imagine the cup you are about to drink from in the same way you might look at a precious stone. as you examine it from different angles, lifting it to your lips, you are presented with an alternative vision, an unseen beauty as the angles change. equally important is how that glass feels in your hand. the artisans carrying on the nearly 200-year old tradition of making edo kiriko are well aware of this and strive to create appealing cut-glass items you can use and enjoy every day. toru horiguchi, whose works are offered by japan suite, is one such artisan carrying on the custom while still pushing the boundaries. he says his best works find their origins in everyday things around him, not by thinking too deeply or profoundly as he strives to design glassware that is both visually stunning and great to use.

guinomi shuseki hane shot glass

edo kiriko was developed in 1834 during the late edo period when kyubei kagaya, influenced by cut glassware brought to japan by dutch traders, originated his own cutting techniques by sculpting items with emery. this was a peaceful period in the country, and the unprecedented style reflected this tranquility. it is characterized by smooth cuts, rounded edges, and complex geometries that sparkle, glint, and display an alternative aesthetic depending on the side it is viewed. the craftspeople who create the style have taken a technique from abroad and developed a type of glassware that has become a distinct part of the Japanese culture. the use of glass for everyday things gained much greater popularity in the second half of the 19th century as more and more western ideas came to japan.

soba choko yorokejima tea cup

horiguchi’s grandfather, ichio, who took on the pen name shuseki, was a skilled master of the edo kiriko style. he later passed the torch to his predecessor – tomio suda – who trained toru as the current and third shuseki. ‘succession names’ such as this, hold great honor and importance for those they are bestowed upon. horiguchi always is conscious of this distinction and the responsibility that comes with it.

hane with its packaging

guinomi shuseki tabane

guinomi kai kakudashi

guinomi kai nanako

detail of hane

close up of kadashi

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.