TOKYO Teshigoto

haku glass takes its name from the Japanese word for blank space in the margin: yohaku. The craftsman behind the brand, Yoshihiro Mitamura says 'I wanted to make vessels that imparted the feeling of something different, and enhanced their contents.' With that motivation in his mind, Mitamura imagined the daily living space of the users of his glassware, this 'space' gave inspiration to the title of his business: haku glass. Mitamura's work is characterised by the spirit and skill of traditional cut glassware, together with an appreciation of the modern style of life. Edo Kiriko cut glass is know for patterns such as 'kagome' (basket eyes), 'nanako' (fish scales) and 'shippo' (seven side circles), with different combinations of these motifs forming most designs. haku glass references these patterns, but with strong cuts and bold modern styling, bring to them a contemporary feel. Each design is given a name to spark the imagination. The user of the 'Hibana' ('fire beauty') for example, may not quite know what to expect. The same Mitamura, who applies such new ideas to his work in cut glass, is also steeped in the traditions of his craft. After training intensively to acquire his skills, in 2017 he prepared to open his own workshop. In this space he has installed a restored glass cutting grinder, painted white. Here he plans a new wave of Edo Kiriko, to fit into the spaces of peoples' lives.

Craftsman Profile