• Satsuma Kiriko yellow sake cup with traditional starburst and geometric patterns.
  • Close-up of Satsuma Kiriko yellow sake cup showing its craftsmanship and geometric pattern.
  • Elegant Satsuma Kiriko large yellow sake cup featuring detailed hand-cut designs.
  • Base of Satsuma Kiriko yellow sake cup engraved with Shimadzu signature and geometric design.
  • Intricate Satsuma Kiriko yellow sake cup with traditional starburst cut pattern.
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Shimadzu Limited

Satsuma Kiriko Large Sake Cup Yellow

Satsuma Kiriko Large Sake Cup Yellow

$379.00 USD
$379.00 USD
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Only 3 left in stock

Discover the rare brilliance of the Yellow Satsuma Kiriko large sake cup, a color that took two years to perfect. Known for its clear, lemon-yellow hue, this radiant color remains one of the most challenging to achieve in glassmaking even today. Historically referred to as "golden yellow" during the Edo period, this vibrant shade shines with a fresh, eye-catching brilliance that is rare in both Eastern and Western Kiriko glass. Deep colors and a precision lattice of chrysanthemum patterns create a contrast of light and shadow. After shaping, the rim is reheated and softened for a smooth finish. The transparency of high-grade crystal stands out, with each piece possessing its own unique character. Suitable for use as a sake cup, small dish, or vessel for delicacies.

Detail

Size: W 2.4in x L 2.4in x H 2in / W 6.2cm x L 6.2cm x H 5.2cm
Capacity: 80cc / 2.7oz
Material: Crystal Glass

Care ＆ Use

  • Handwash only
  • Do not use in microwave or oven
  • Due to handmade colouring and carving characteristics, each piece has subtle variations in size and appearance.
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Map of Japan and the pin pointing on Kagoshima City

Satsuma Kiriko: A Legacy from Kagoshima

Satsuma Kiriko, a form of Japanese cut glass, was born in the Satsuma domain, modern-day Kagoshima, during the mid-19th century. This vibrant glasswork is characterized by its colorful overlays and meticulous cuts, revealing intricate patterns and stunning color gradations. Inspired by Western glassmaking techniques, Shimazu Nariakira, the lord of Satsuma, sought to create a craft that would rival global standards. However, after Nariakira’s death in 1858 and the subsequent Anglo-Satsuma War, the region’s economy faltered. Factories were destroyed, and the knowledge and tools required to continue production faded away, leading to the craft’s decline.

For over a century, Satsuma Kiriko lay dormant. It wasn’t until the 1980s that local artisans, guided by Shimadzu Limited, embarked on the complex task of reviving this lost art. Today, Satsuma Kiriko stands as both a symbol of Kagoshima’s rich history and a masterpiece of Japanese craftsmanship, offering a timeless blend of tradition and innovation.

Brand History

Shimadzu Limited, founded in 1922, is a Kagoshima-based company deeply rooted in the region’s heritage. While the company’s origins don’t trace back to the exact time of Satsuma Kiriko’s creation, its true significance emerged in the 1980s when it undertook the ambitious task of reviving this long-forgotten craft. With a dedication to preserving traditional techniques, Shimadzu Limited worked with artisans to meticulously recreate the lost methods of glass layering and cutting, bringing Satsuma Kiriko back to life. 

What sets Shimadzu Limited apart is its dual commitment to authenticity and innovation. By reviving Satsuma Kiriko, the company not only preserved a key part of Japanese cultural heritage but also introduced new techniques and designs, ensuring the craft remains relevant today. Their role in this revival has solidified Shimadzu Limited as a cornerstone of both historical preservation and modern artistry in Japan.