The beginning of a beloved national craft of Japan Edo-Kiriko, or Edo (old-day Tokyo) cut-glass takes us back two-centuries to the early 1800's. It is said that Kyubei Kagaya, who made a living processing glass products first introduced the term.

This fine technique of incising glass products is a prime example where "East meets West", as the importation of mechanical technologies from Europe not only contributed to productivity, but also empowered the expression of esthetical craftsmanship. Behind the fascination, lies the family of Nemoto Glass Crafts., whom protected the culture from wars and the many natural disasters during the 19th century. Continuing to create for over three generations, the family heritage is today an iconic brand that carry on the same tradition through classical and modern approaches. Here starts of the story of Yukio, in memory of his foundation of the Edo-Kiriko culture, finally to be known as "Contemporary Master Craftsman" of Japan. 

備忘録

During his career, Yukio was the first to introduce an electric powered sharpening machine in Japan, making renovating changes to the production system that once relied on unstable sources such as water and human for power. He has also contributed to the evolution and inheritance of Kiriko culture nationwide, spending years to research, recreate a lost culture of southern Japan - Satsuma Kiriko.

In 1996, Kiriko made by Yukio was presented to the summit meeting between Japan and South Korea, which played a role in strengthening diplomatic relations between the two countries. As one of Japan's leading artists and Kiriko craftsmen, Yukio received many awards including the prestigious Medal of Yellow Ribbon - the equivalence to human treasure, and continued to make Kiriko until his later years.

伝統と革新