July 5th is Edo Kiriko Day. Official shop to hold exhibition of young artisans' works and limited edition sales fair.

The Edo Kiriko Cooperative Association (Ojima, Koto Ward, Representative Director: Mitsuhiro Sato) has designated July 5th as "Edo Kiriko Day" based on a pun using the traditional pattern "Nanako" (fish roe).

To commemorate the occasion, the "Edo Kiriko Showroom," the official shop for Edo Kiriko run by the association, will host an exhibition of award-winning works by emerging young artisans and a sales fair featuring limited edition items from various workshops.

Guinomi (sake cup) with Nanako pattern, by Hidenori Takano

◆July 5th is Edo Kiriko Day.

July 5th is Edo Kiriko Day.

Edo Kiriko is said to have originated in the late Edo period, in the 5th year of Tenpo (1834), when Hisakubee Kagiya, a glass merchant in Odenma-cho, Edo, devised techniques for decorating the surface of glass.

Since then, it has been passed down to the present day, overcoming difficulties such as earthquakes and war.

It was designated as a traditional craft of Tokyo Metropolis in 1985 (Showa 60) and as a national traditional craft in 2002 (Heisei 14).

Introduction to Edo Kiriko Day

◆July 5th comes from "Nanako".

July 5th is derived from a pun, reading "7" and "5" as "nanako," in honor of "Nanako," one of Edo Kiriko's representative patterns.

Nanako Pattern

The Nanako pattern is a traditional Japanese design also found in metalwork and textiles.

In kiriko craftsmanship, it is said to be inspired by fish roe, and it is a pattern that requires meticulous and precise work, where fine cuts intersect accurately to create uniform and beautiful "grains."

It embodies the artisans' sure skill, the resonance of the word "nanako," and the desire to deliver the brilliance of kiriko and a moment of coolness towards summer, when it is used in tableware for kaiseki cuisine, among other things.

◆Exhibition of award-winning works from the "New Works Exhibition" at the official shop.

Every spring, our association holds the "Edo Kiriko New Works Exhibition," a competition for kiriko artisans' skills and designs.

38th Edo Kiriko New Works Exhibition Award-winning Works Exhibition 38th New Works Exhibition Display Scene

This event began with the designation of Edo Kiriko as a traditional craft of Tokyo Metropolis and serves as an important stage for nurturing young talent, promoting diverse Edo Kiriko, and acting as a gateway for traditional craftspeople.

At the official shop "Edo Kiriko Showroom," to coincide with Edo Kiriko Day, we will begin exhibiting works by four award winners from the 38th Edo Kiriko New Works Exhibition held this past April. (The exhibition is scheduled to last for six months).

All of them are young artisans under 30 years old, with promising futures.

Representative Exhibited Works

38th Edo Kiriko New Works Exhibition, 1st Place, "Kyosei" (Symbiosis), by Mayumi Sannomaru

38th, 1st Place, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Bureau of Commerce and Service Policy Award

"Kyosei" (Symbiosis)

Artist: Mayumi Sannomaru (Mitsuwa Glass Craft, Soka City)

Theme:

"Inspired by climbing plants growing from structures. We used the 'Kikunagashi' (chrysanthemum knot) pattern to represent man-made objects, with plants entwined around them, expressing coexistence with nature."

With this work, Ms. Sannomaru won 1st place for the second time in the same exhibition. She was the first female artisan to win 1st place in the 36th exhibition two years prior.

◆Sales of limited edition items from over 100 artisans.

Starting July 3rd (Fri), the Edo Kiriko Showroom will feature a special space for sales of limited edition items brought together by artisans for this occasion.

The lineup features over 100 items, including limited edition works crafted with the artisans' dedication, items priced affordably, special offerings with unique materials, and consigned pieces from various workshops and artisans.

Traditional Craft Edo Kiriko Showroom (Official Shop)

Period: Friday, July 3, 2026 - Sunday, July 26, 2026. *As these are limited edition items, sales will end once sold out.

Participating Workshops (in no particular order):

Oba Glass Processing Co., Ltd. / Kadowaki Glass Processing / Sakuma Glass / Shimizu Glass Co., Ltd. / Nakamiya Kiriko Kobo / Horiguchi Kiriko Co., Ltd. / Watanabe Glass Processing Plant

*Additionally, some workshops are scheduled to participate partway through the exhibition period.

Edo Kiriko Showroom

Address and Contact Information: 2-40-5 Ojima, Koto Ward, Tokyo 136-0072 TEL 03-3684-6321

Business Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Closed: Mondays (If Monday is a public holiday, closed Tuesday)

◆Addressing Challenges in the Production Area.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of artisans has begun to decline. Countermeasures against unfair imitation and counterfeit products, official "Edo Kiriko" certification, and rising raw material costs and procurement difficulties due to recent international affairs are just some of the various changes and challenges currently facing the Edo Kiriko production area.

Edo Kiriko production scene by artisans

Our association began operating the shop as an opportunity for artisans to present and sell their work, and we will continue to strive to convey the value and appeal of the "genuine" articles that正規 artisans create by hand every day, in various forms.

[Contact for Inquiries Regarding This Release]

Edo Kiriko Cooperative Association

2-40-5 Ojima, Koto Ward, Tokyo 136-0072

TEL 03-3681-0961

FAX 03-3681-1422

HP https://www.edokiriko.or.jp/