26080 Satsuma Bidoro Crafts, Restored Satsuma Kiriko, Colored Cut Glass Choko

Height 5.5cm
Diameter 6.6cm

The "Restored Satsuma Kiriko Colored Cut Glass Choko" produced by Satsuma Bidro Kogei is a restoration of the Satsuma Kiriko produced by the Satsuma domain at the end of the Edo period. It is made by covering crystal glass containing 24-25% lead with colored glass about 1-2 mm thick, then cutting and polishing it.

Characteristics of Satsuma Kiriko
A major feature of Satsuma Kiriko is the gradation of color tones known as "Bokashi." This occurs between the thick colored glass and the clear glass. The depth of the cut expresses the depth of the color, creating the beauty that is unique to Satsuma Kiriko.

About colored glass
Colored glass cut glass is a cut glass product made with a double-layered glass material, with colored glass on the outside and clear glass on the inside. Generally, two types of glass are used in cut glass: this colored glass and colorless, transparent glass (also called crystal glass).

Characteristics of colored glass
Colored cut glass products are cut to create a beautiful contrast between the colored glass and the clear glass. Satsuma Kiriko in particular is characterized by deep cuts made into thick glass, allowing you to enjoy the gradation of colors.

Color diversity
Traditional colors: The traditional colors of Edo Kiriko are popular lapis lazuli (dark blue) and red. Satsuma Kiriko also has a wide variety of traditional colors, including crimson, indigo, green, yellow, golden red, and Shimazu purple.
Two-tone coating: Recently, a special type of colored glass called "two-tone coating" has appeared, which has a three-layer structure with two different colored glasses layered on top of clear glass, expanding the range of gradation expressions.

The secret of color development
The colors of Kiriko glass are produced by mixing and dissolving color-producing metal oxides into the main glass material, rather than applying color from the outside.

Types and designs of sake cups
Satsuma Vidro Kogei's restored Satsuma Kiriko sake cups come in a variety of colors, including gold red and green. They feature traditional patterns that are also popular in Edo Kiriko, such as the octagonal basket weave pattern. Because they are handmade, there may be slight differences in size, capacity, and shape.

Tradition and Innovation
Satsuma Bidoro Kogei is not only restoring tradition, but is also actively developing new colors and improving cutting techniques. They have created new colors such as Satsuma Kiriko, which is made by layering two colors of glass on top and bottom, as well as Satsuma Black Kiriko and Satsuma Brown. Founded in 1994, it was designated a traditional craft of Kagoshima Prefecture in 1997.