Kagoshima, Japan Oct. 11 Fri 1:43AM
The Traditional Glass Art
Satsuma kirikos a type of cut glass from Japan. It was manufactured by the Satsuma clan from the final years of the Edo period to the beginning of the Meiji period. It was not until 1985 that a glass factory, an artisan, and a researcher together succeeded in reproducing Satsuma kiriko. It has been about 100 years since the art died, and they had to recreate the art through the old writings left from the Meiji period.
The characteristics of Satsuma kiriko is that it is delicate and features overlaid colored glass. The main feature is the deep color of the overlaid colored glass. Also, cutting the glass boldly gives beautiful gradations of color.
You can find them at suvenior stores and traditional glass shops in Kagoshima. Suvenior stores one may not be hand cut, so if you want to purchase a real handmade Satsuma Kiriko, you might want to visit the department stores. The prices are not cheap, for they are handmade by trained skilled professionals, but they will for sure be a piece you would not regret.