Yamada Glass

The roots of Yamada Glass go back to artisans who learned cutting techniques from European craftsmen and developed a style of work that later came to be known as Hanakiriko. Edo Kiriko uses cutting and polishing to create sharp geometric patterns, while Hanakiriko lightly grinds the surface without polishing, resulting in soft, frosted expressions of plants and animals. By combining these techniques, the studio creates a wide variety of visual effects on glass.

Based in Sumida, a traditional manufacturing area of Tokyo, the workshop has refined Edo Kiriko and Hanakiriko techniques over many years. In recent years, it has also focused on more artistic pieces made from crystal glass and on designs that fuse traditional patterns with contemporary sensibilities.

Through its online shop, Yamada Glass introduces series inspired by natural phenomena such as waves, rain and forests, as well as作品 featuring original patterns like “En-tsunagi”, “Sazanami” and “Yamashita Hakuu”. Products are organised by shape — guinomi (sake cups), old-fashioned glasses, tumblers, katakuchi and more — and by pattern, making it easy to explore the collection.

Domestic orders are shipped via Yamato Transport with a flat shipping fee, and shipping is free within Japan for orders above a certain amount. This allows customers throughout Japan to enjoy Edo Kiriko and Hanakiriko glassware made at the studio in Sumida.

Workshop specialising in both Edo Kiriko and Hanakiriko

Yamada Glass is one of the few workshops that handles both Edo Kiriko and Hanakiriko. In addition to traditional Edo Kiriko cutting, the studio uses a technique in which the surface of the glass is finely ground to depict motifs such as flowers, birds and other natural themes, creating a soft frosted texture that contrasts with highly polished cut glass.

Original patterns such as “En-tsunagi” and Sakura motifs

While respecting classic Edo Kiriko patterns, the studio has developed original designs including the “En-tsunagi” pattern and pieces featuring cherry blossoms as a symbol of Japan. The product range extends from sake cups and rock glasses to objects, accessories, obi clasps and glass coasters.

Works used in exhibitions, media and corporate collaborations

The workshop has produced many pieces for well-known companies and participates actively in exhibitions and craft fairs in Japan and overseas. Its glassworks, which combine refined cutting techniques with artistic design, have been featured in corporate commercials and various forms of media.

Available at department stores and select shops

Besides its own online shop, Yamada Glass pieces are handled by major department stores and specialty shops. Customers can encounter Edo Kiriko and Hanakiriko works that range from everyday sake ware to art-like one-of-a-kind pieces.