#Japan #Tokyo #HikariSAS #Kiriko Glass #Chemical Etching

Embracing Tradition with Technology: Kiriko Glass Coasters

The art of crafting exquisite Kiriko glasses—Japanese cut glass known for its stunning light play—has been taken to a new level by Tokubetsu Abe Seihanjo. This Tokyo-based company will unveil their innovative product, the Light-Design Coasters, at the Interior Lifestyle Tokyo exhibition, taking place from June 10 to 12, 2026. This new creation aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of Kiriko glasses, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.

A New Dimension to Kiriko Glass

Kiriko glasses are celebrated for their delicate cuts that create mesmerizing light and shadow effects. The vision behind the new coasters is simple yet profound: to amplify the inherent beauty of these glasses. Utilizing advanced chemical etching technology, the coasters have been designed specifically to interact with Kiriko glass, creating a synergistic visual experience. By marrying metal processing techniques with seasonal motifs, these coasters provide a unique way to appreciate the relationship between glass and light.

The Inspiration Behind the Design

It all began with a desire to celebrate the brilliance of Edo Kiriko glass. The reflection and refraction created by its intricate cuts was something the company wanted to enhance. After extensive development, the coasters have been engineered to evoke the seasons of Japan—featuring designs like sakura (cherry blossoms), hanabi (fireworks), koyo (autumn leaves), and yuki no kessho (snowflakes). Each pattern is meticulously crafted to harmonize with the light aesthetics of the glass, allowing the two mediums to resonate beautifully together.

Features of the Light-Design Coaster

1. Intricate Patterns Created by Chemical Etching
The precision of chemical etching allows for the creation of subtle and delicate patterns that are near impossible to achieve through traditional cutting methods. The limited-edition coasters manage to convey seasonal symbols while embedding distinctive textures and shadows created through the etching process. This results in a design that enhances both the glasswork and the ethereal play of light that accompanies it.

2. Showcasing Brilliance on the Table
Often, Kiriko glass is displayed with reflective surfaces that magnify their brightness. The new coasters make use of polished stainless steel juxtaposed with the etching to achieve a stunning contrast that reflects and absorbs light dynamically. This allows the colors of the glass to be gently mirrored at the dining table, adding an elegant touch to everyday gatherings.

3. Savoring the Light Through Every Sip
The unique interplay between the light passing through the glass and the seasonal motifs on the coaster creates a layered depth, offering a glimpse of the seasons themselves. With varying angles, drinkers can observe the changing expressions of light, turning a simple act of sipping into a moment of seasonal appreciation.

This design encourages you to engage more deeply with your drinking experience—inviting you to see, taste, and share in moments that are enriched with the beauty of light. The coasters are not just practical items; they are an invitation to savor every moment and enhance storytelling during meals.

Product Specifications

• - Glass Material: Soda glass
• - Size: Maximum diameter 70mm x height 60mm
• - Weight: 115g
• - Capacity: Approximately 100ml

• - Coaster Material: Domestic solid wood (kayaki), 18-8 stainless steel
• - Finish: Urethane coating (black/clear)
• - Size: (Wooden base) thickness 13.5mm x diameter 90mm
• - Weight: Approximately 130g

Pricing and Availability

• - Estimated Price: ¥110,000 per set (tax included). Prices may vary depending on specifications and combinations.
• - Sales Channel: Scheduled to be available on their lifestyle brand website, HikariSAS.

Exhibition Details

• - Exhibition Name: Interior Lifestyle Tokyo
• - Dates: June 10-12, 2026
• - Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (ends at 4:30 PM on the last day)
• - Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, West Exhibition Hall Atrium, within the Koto Brand area
• - Exhibit Content: Featuring etching coasters designed for Kiriko glass, showcasing chemical etching products, and consultations for custom orders.

About Tokubetsu Abe Seihanjo

Tokubetsu Abe Seihanjo has long specialized in chemical etching technology within a B2B framework, and has recently expanded into B2C offerings with their own brand. They continue to push the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship by merging various design concepts including traditional arts, lifestyle products, and spatial aesthetics, exploring new avenues of manufacturing that resonate with today's consumers.