Edo Kiriko Whiskey Glass - Hand-Cut Pine & Crane Design

The journey begins with molten glass, typically a two-layered composition featuring a clear core sheathed in a vibrant colored layer. This material is masterfully shaped into its final silhouette through the time-honored techniques of hand-blowing or molding.

Next, the artisan precisely maps the intricate, geometric design onto the glass surface. This crucial step is performed with meticulous care, using a fine pigment or a specialized tool to lay down the coordinates for the future pattern.

The first cuts are made. Using a coarse-grit rotating wheel, the artisan meticulously carves the foundational lines of the design, establishing the deep, definitive outlines that will serve as the pattern's framework.

This is followed by a phase of exquisite refinement. The same cuts are revisited with a finer-grit wheel, allowing for the precise sharpening of each line and the addition of the delicate, intricate motifs that are the hallmark of traditional Edo Kiriko.

The cut surfaces are then meticulously honed. An artisan uses a whetstone and water to gently abrade the glass, eliminating any rough edges left by the cutting process and preparing the surface for its final brilliance.

The final and most transformative step. The glass is brought to a brilliant, flawless clarity and luminous shine. This critical process reveals the vivid, striking contrast between the vibrant colored layer and the pure clear glass beneath, illuminating the masterfully carved pattern in its full glory.