Satsuma Kiriko

A unique brilliance created by vivid colors and blurred effects

Satsuma Kiriko is a traditional craft representing Kagoshima, characterized by the contrast between thick colored glass and clear glass, and the beautiful "shading" created by delicate cutting. The brilliance of the glass, which shows various expressions every time light passes through it, is truly a work of glass art.

The Colorful Beauty of Kagoshima, Revived from a Lost Craft: The World of Satsuma Kiriko

If you visit Kagoshima, there is one traditional craft you should definitely see: Satsuma Kiriko, a beautiful gradation of colored and clear glass.

The birth of Satsuma Kiriko dates back to the late Edo period in the 19th century. It began when Shimazu Nariakira, the 11th lord of the Satsuma domain, encouraged its development with the aim of fostering industry in the domain and introducing Western technology. At the time, Satsuma Kiriko was characterized by a technique called "colored glass," in which a thick layer of colored glass was applied over clear glass and then cut to create patterns.

Its greatest appeal is the technique known as "bokashi," which is a unique expression that changes the shade of color depending on the depth of the cut, creating a delicate beauty that resembles a gradation. The way the colors of crimson, indigo, green, purple, and golden red shine fantastically in the light is truly a work of art.

However, during the turbulent times of the transition from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji era, many workshops were burned down, particularly during the Seinan War of 1877. Since then, it has long been considered a mythical craft.

Then, after more than 100 years, a restoration project was launched in 1985 by Shimazu Kogyo, a company with ties to the Shimazu family. Using the few remaining documents and existing items, the techniques of the time were researched and reproduced, and new life was breathed into the sword by modern craftsmen.

Currently, at Satsuma Glass Crafts in Kagoshima City, you can observe the production process of Satsuma Kiriko and purchase it at the shop. There is also a facility where you can experience Kiriko making, which is popular with tourists. When you actually hold it in your hands, you will be amazed by its heavy texture, the delicate cuts, and the depth of the colors.

They are also highly rated as gifts, and there is a diverse lineup of glasses, small bowls, vases, etc. While some of the items are priced at over 100,000 yen, there are also small and affordable items available, and many people purchase them as mementos of their trip.

Satsuma Kiriko is not just a souvenir. It is a story that embodies the history, culture, and spirit of Kagoshima's artisans.