Futamono

Glass

Craft Artist: Ikuko Ogawa

ORIGIN: Morioka, Iwate Prefecture
SIZE: Φ73 × Ｈ73 mm
MATERIAL: Soda glass

Dynamic balance in kiriko cut glass

The sizeable and deep engraved lines on this piece reveal a bold spontaneity, while the intricate, delicate patterns radiates a gorgeous elegance. The thick glass accentuates both, and the silver lid sits atop the red rim, shining in response to the shimmering cuts that run the length and breadth of the piece. This work, “Futamono” (literally, “Thing with a Lid”), is by Ikuko Ogawa, one of the most remarkable kiriko cut glass artists in Japan today.

While building on the traditional techniques of Edo kiriko as a solid foundation, Ikuko incorporates the deep cuts and gradation effects of kise-glass (cased glass) characteristic of Satsuma kiriko to create a comprehensive expression of the beauty of Japanese cut glass. The designs springing from her free and flexible sensibility give viewers fresh discoveries unbound by traditional frameworks. It is a gem that expands the possibilities of cut glass.

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From June 28 to July 3 in 2023, the third solo exhibition by Ikuko Ogawa was held at Mitsukoshi Main Store in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, marking a return after four years. Ikuko seamlessly blends the distinctive features of Edo and Satsuma styles of kiriko faceted glasswork, creating exquisite glass artworks. The exhibition showcased a total of 160 pieces, ranging from small obidome (kimono sash clips) an...

RESOURCE

Kise-glass (Cased glass)
- Technique
A technique in which two or more layers of different colors are partially or completely layered and welded to shaped glass while it is still hot. When the glass is covered on the outside, it is called “soto-gise,” or “outer layer-cased,” and when it is layered on the inside, it is called “uchi-gise,” or “inner layer-cased.” It can also be used as a base for carving and surface processing, to create decorative effects that reveal multiple different colors.
Satsuma Kiriko
- Generic term
A generic term for faceted glasswork produced in the Satsuma domain (today’s Kagoshima Prefecture) during the late Edo period (1853 – 1868). It is characterized by a series of color gradations called “bokashi” arising from the cutting of the glass. The gradations are created by hand-cutting patterns into “iro–kise glass,” which itself is formed as a thick layer of colored glass overlaid on transparent glass. Although production of this type of glass had once been discontinued, it is now being brought back.
Kiriko (Cut glass)
- Technique
A technique of sculpting the surface of glass and applying various patterns on it with a grinder, achieved through various steps such as roughing, stoning, and polishing. Traditionally, the patterns are in geometric forms. Edo kiriko and Satsuma kiriko are the most widely known representations.
Edo kiriko
- Generic term
Generic name for traditional handmade cut glass originating from Tokyo. Said to have started back in 1834, latter half of Edo period. Cut patterns are very detailed, and the light reflection is clear because of the thinness of the glass.

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