Haku-sho Yamada Glassworks

Edo Kiriko／Haku-sho Yamada Glassworks
The world is captivated by the beauty of delicate lines and gentle curves.

About Haku-sho Yamada Glassworks

Located in Sumida, Tokyo, Haku-sho Yamada Glassworks is an Edo Kiriko studio that has continued for over 80 years across three generations. While preserving the traditional craftsmanship of Edo Kiriko — designated as a Traditional Craft of Japan — the studio reimagines quintessential Japanese motifs such as cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji through a refined, contemporary sensibility.
The hallmark of Haku-sho’s work is the “Hana Kiriko” (flower-cut glass) technique developed by third-generation master Masateru Yamada.
Using the gravure engraving technique, he gently presses glass against a rotating polishing wheel, carving ultra-shallow grooves that express delicate petals and serene landscapes through soft, flowing curves.
By combining this poetic, curvilinear Hana Kiriko with the bold, geometric cuts of traditional Edo Kiriko, Yamada creates a unique aesthetic — where boldness and delicacy, straight lines and curves coexist in perfect harmony.
The second-generation master, Teruo Yamada, was celebrated as a leading figure in modern Japanese glass art, winning numerous awards including the Grand Prize at the Japan Glass Exhibition.
His successor, Masateru Yamada, carries forward both his father’s skill and spirit, merging tradition with innovation to pioneer new expressions of Edo Kiriko.
In 2017, he was selected for Toyota’s “LEXUS NEW TAKUMI PROJECT,” gaining wide recognition for redefining Edo Kiriko for the modern era.
“By bringing Edo Kiriko into everyday life, I want to make each day a little brighter and more enjoyable.”
At Haku-sho Yamada Glassworks, each piece is not an untouchable artwork, but beauty made to be used.
Every glass carries the devotion and mastery of the craftsman, etched into its gleaming surface.


Edo Kiriko

Cutting light and reflecting time — Japan’s art of precision and brilliance.
Edo Kiriko is a traditional Japanese cut-glass craft in which intricate patterns are engraved onto the surface of glass.
Its origins date back to the late Edo period, when glass merchant Kyūbei Kagaya began engraving glass in Edo (modern-day Tokyo).
During the Meiji era, Western cutting techniques were adopted, allowing Edo Kiriko to evolve into a distinct Japanese art form.
The defining feature of Edo Kiriko is the use of “kise glass” — colored glass layered over clear glass — which is precisely hand-cut with a rotating whetstone.
By varying the depth and angle of each incision, artisans create delicate patterns that shimmer differently in the light.
Motifs such as kiku-tsunagi (chrysanthemum link), asa-no-ha (hemp leaf), yarai (bamboo fence), and nanako (fish roe) reflect the sophistication and playful spirit of Edo culture.
Each piece’s brilliance — clear, even, and vibrant — can only be achieved through the seasoned hands of a master artisan.
When held, light dances across the glass, reviving time itself within its reflection.
Today, Edo Kiriko continues to evolve, embracing modern aesthetics while preserving its essence.
It stands as a living bridge of light — connecting Japan’s past and future through glass.