Emerald-green overlay crystal cut with kagome lattice, bamboo leaves and a chrysanthemum motif: traditional Edo Kiriko patterns condensed into a small sake cup.

Kadowaki Glass Workshop’s Edo Kiriko Crystal Guinomi in Emerald Green is made from clear crystal glass overlaid with emerald green and cut by hand with traditional Japanese patterns.

The sides combine kagome lattice and bamboo-leaf motifs, while the base is finished with a chrysanthemum pattern. Fine geometric cutting and larger flowing lines create a surface that changes dramatically with angle and light.

Emerald green over clear crystal

The glass uses emerald-green cased crystal, with clear glass inside and a coloured layer on the exterior.

As the coloured layer is cut away, the clear crystal beneath is revealed.

Areas of concentrated green, transparent cuts and sharply reflective edges create depth within a single colour.

Kagome lattice and bamboo leaves

The side of the cup combines the traditional kagome lattice pattern with the more fluid image of bamboo leaves.

Kagome is a geometric motif inspired by woven bamboo baskets. Precise intersecting cuts create repeated points of reflection inside the crystal.

Against this fine geometry, larger sweeping cuts suggest bamboo leaves, giving the design a contrast between intricate repetition and broad movement.

A chrysanthemum motif on the base

Kadowaki Glass Workshop’s official description notes a chrysanthemum motif cut into the base.

It is a relatively discreet detail when the cup sits on the table, but becomes more visible when the glass is lifted or viewed from above.

By carrying the decoration onto the base, the workshop builds multiple layers of pattern and reflected light into a vessel only a few centimetres tall.

Kadowaki Glass Workshop | Edo Kiriko since 1969

Kadowaki Glass Workshop was founded in 1969 in Kitasuna, Koto, Tokyo, and has continued Edo Kiriko production across two generations of the Kadowaki family.

Second-generation artisan Yuji Kadowaki has worked in Edo Kiriko for decades and was officially registered as a Traditional Craftsman in 2019 by the Association for the Promotion of Traditional Craft Industries.

His work is particularly associated with dense, highly accurate cutting that covers much of the glass while still allowing the beauty and transparency of the crystal itself to remain visible.

90ml of crystal and detailed cutting

The official product information lists the cup at 5.8cm in diameter and 5.2cm high, with a capacity of 90ml.

It is made from high-clarity crystal glass and supplied in a wooden box.

The compact format is suited to sake and other drinks served in small pours, while the liquid itself further changes the refraction and appearance of the cuts.

Individual variation as part of the handcraft

Kadowaki Glass Workshop notes that because the pieces are handmade from the glass material onward, there may be slight differences in size, colour and weight from one piece to another.

Those small variations are part of the character of handmade Edo Kiriko rather than defects in uniformity.

Kadowaki Glass Workshop Edo Kiriko Crystal Guinomi — Emerald Green

Japan | Koto, Tokyo | Kadowaki Glass Workshop | Edo Kiriko | Guinomi sake cup | Emerald green | Crystal glass | 5.8cm diameter × 5.2cm high | 90ml | Wooden box

Emerald-green cased crystal, kagome lattice, bamboo leaves and a chrysanthemum base come together in a small vessel where fine geometry, flowing cuts and clear crystal create constantly changing light.

Available at IMAMI

IMAMI is a specialist retailer of fine wine, whisky, sake and Japanese drinking vessels including Edo Kiriko. For product availability, please enquire at IMAMI Ginza, IMAMI Shinsaibashi, or contact us.

As each piece is handmade, availability and individual variation may differ.