Japanese Cut Glass Goblets in Red and Blue – Edo-style Traditional Pattern Glassware – Elegant Drinkware for Whisky, Sake or Cocktails

The Story Behind This Piece:

Embraced by the rich mountain ranges of the Chugoku region, where a beautiful world of silver snow unfolds in winter, lies the northern region of Hiroshima Prefecture. From the shelves of a heavy earthen storehouse standing on a vast, historic estate that has supported the local community through forestry and landownership since the Heisho and Taisho eras, this stunning pair of faceted stem glasses (Kiriko glass) was discovered in a miraculous, pristine condition. These pieces were crafted during the late Showa period (the 1970s to 1980s), an era when the Japanese public began to passionately seek genuine psychological wealth and the beauty of artisan handwork in their daily lives. This period represents a beautifully mature golden age in the history of Japanese glassmaking, where time-honored traditional techniques seamlessly merged with sophisticated, modern retro product design. The original owner of these glasses was the master of the estate, who cherished the spirit of hospitality that warmly countered the harsh winters of northern Hiroshima. In a modern drawing room newly established within the traditional private house (kominka) with heavy wooden beams, the master would invite close friends and distinguished guests from afar. He would pour homemade wild berry liqueur, imported spirits, or premium local sake brewed with the region's pure spring water into these very vessels, engaging in deep conversations around the fireplace late into the night. The twilight setting over the distant mountains filtered through the vibrant red glass, casting elegant amber shadows into the room, while the smoked blue glass captured the indoor light, standing quietly like the depth of a serene night. Within this shared space, the essence of Mingei value—the pursuit of functional beauty designed to warmly color daily life, born precisely because of the snow-deep environment—thrived in a beautifully modernized form.

However, as the eras transitioned from Showa to Heisei, and eventually to Reiwa, and family structures shifted from large extended households to smaller nuclear families, the grand gatherings and occasions for entertaining guests at the estate naturally became less frequent. This pair of Kiriko glasses, once the pride of the household for entertaining esteemed guests, was carefully hand-washed by the master to prevent any scratches, wrapped in high-quality cloth, and placed into a wooden box. Stored away with the gentle hope of "using them again one day for a special family milestone or a gathering of cherished loved ones," they were moved into the quiet, cool depths of the storehouse, far removed from the bustle of the main house. For several decades, the glasses remained in a silent slumber within the storehouse's tranquil darkness, as if watching over the natural changing of the seasons in northern Hiroshima through the thick walls. In the present day, a restoration project was launched to renovate this historic kominka and preserve it for the next generation. For the first time in generations, the heavy doors of the storehouse were opened once more. The moment the dust-covered box was uncovered and opened, the two glasses emerged into the modern light, radiating an overwhelming, flawless brilliance, as if they had perfectly preserved the sophisticated atmosphere and the warm memories of the master's hospitality inside their box.

The contemporary value of these Kiriko glasses extends far beyond their rarity as mere vintage collectibles; they are a definitive crystallization of authentic Japanese handwork. The artisan technique of blowing glass to a uniform, delicate thinness, combined with the precise cut work that carves kaleidoscopic geometric patterns without a millimeter of error, represents the peak of craftsmanship achieved in the late Showa period. The incredibly faint patina and natural micro-textures on the glass surface, born from the natural passage of time, perfectly embody the philosophical Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi—finding profound beauty within history, natural aging, and impermanence. The narrative itself, of being carefully preserved within a rustic kominka in northern Hiroshima—a region that represents the primal landscape of Japan—adds an irreplaceable emotional value to this pair. While featuring traditional cuts that echo classic elegance, the stylish, refined silhouette and modern decagonal foot characteristic of the late Showa era allow these glasses to harmonize flawlessly with contemporary modern spaces, rustic styles, or interiors centered around Scandinavian vintage design. Whether utilized to elevate a quiet evening drink or as the centerpiece for welcoming special guests, these vessels add the ultimate luxury: a narrative of a journey through the beautiful memories of the Showa era. Filled with historical warmth, the artisan's soul, and the roots of functional beauty, this pair possesses an enduring Mingei value that will last a lifetime.

Condition & Notes:
Please note before purchasing.
This is a vintage or antique item sold as-is.
Due to age and long-term storage, natural signs of wear and aging may be present, including:
* small scratches or scuffs
* fading or discoloration
* glaze irregularities or imperfections
* crackling (crazing), kiln marks, or gold wear
* slight warping or age-related changes in wooden parts
Vintage and antique items may also carry natural storage-related scents from wood, paper, lacquer, smoke, or long-term preservation environments.
These characteristics are part of the individuality, historical character, and quiet beauty that vintage Japanese items carry.
They are not flaws, but the gentle traces of time.
We kindly ask for your understanding that vintage and antique items differ from newly manufactured products.
We do our best to show all notable details in the photos, but some small imperfections may not be fully visible.
Please review the dimensions carefully before purchasing, as photos may make items appear larger or smaller depending on display settings and shooting conditions.
Please note that colors may appear slightly different depending on lighting conditions and screen settings.
Only the items shown in the photos are included unless otherwise stated.
Display stands, decorative props, or accessories used for photography are not included unless explicitly stated.
Thank you for appreciating the character and spirit of these timeworn pieces.

Dimensions:
■Red Glass
Height: 8.4 cm (3.31 in)
Base Diameter: 5.0 cm (1.97 in)
Rim Diameter: 6.7 cm (2.64 in)
Max Circumference: 21 cm (8.27 in)
Weight: 110 g (3.88 oz)
■Blue Glass
Height: 8.3 cm (3.27 in)
Base Diameter: 4.9 cm (1.93 in)
Rim Diameter: 6.7 cm (2.64 in)
Max Circumference: 21 cm (8.27 in)
Weight: 85 g (3.00 oz)

Shipping Information:
All items are shipped from Hiroshima, Japan.
Orders are usually dispatched within 3–5 business days after payment is confirmed.
For shipments to the United States, we use DHL Express or UPS with full tracking and insurance.
For all other destinations, orders are shipped via DHL Express, UPS, or Japan Post EMS depending on the destination and shipping conditions.
Each item is carefully packed with protective materials to ensure safe delivery.
Estimated delivery time is approximately 7–14 business days depending on customs procedures, local delivery conditions, weather disruptions, and customs inspections.
International Buyers – Duties, VAT & Taxes:
Import duties / customs duties are covered by us for all available shipping destinations.
However, VAT, GST, consumption taxes, customs processing fees, carrier handling fees, and other local import-related charges are not included in the item price unless otherwise stated.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
Depending on your country’s regulations, these charges may be collected either by local customs authorities or by the shipping carrier upon delivery.
For many higher-value international orders, VAT/GST and import-related processing charges are commonly collected at the time of delivery.
Please note that free shipping or customs duty coverage does not mean that VAT/GST or local import-related charges are included.
Even when customs duties are covered by us, VAT/GST and local import-related charges may still be payable separately by the buyer upon delivery.
We do not mark items as gifts or under-declare their value for customs purposes.
Please ensure that your shipping address and contact information are accurate and complete.
If a package is returned due to an incorrect address, unpaid VAT/GST or import-related charges, refusal, or failed delivery, all return and reshipping costs are the buyer’s responsibility.
International deliveries may occasionally experience delays due to customs procedures or local postal conditions.

Damage During Shipping:
In the unlikely event that your item arrives damaged, please contact us within 10 days of delivery and provide clear photos of:
* the damaged item
* the outer shipping box
* the inside packaging condition
* the shipping label
Please keep all packaging materials and damaged items until the shipping carrier completes the investigation.
Minor imperfections consistent with the nature of vintage or antique items are not considered shipping damage.

Returns & Refunds:
All items are vintage or antique and sold as-is.
Due to the nature of vintage and antique items, we generally do not accept returns, cancellations, or refunds except where required by law or covered by shipping insurance.
Returns or refunds are not accepted for reasons such as:
* change of mind
* customs delays
* minor differences in condition
* color differences
* texture variations
* size impression differences
* natural signs of age and wear
However, if severe loss or damage during shipping is officially confirmed by the carrier’s insurance, we will respond within the scope of the insurance coverage.
For customers in the UK and EU, applicable consumer protection laws and cooling-off rights will take precedence where required by law.

Safety & Usage:
These items are decorative vintage or antique pieces intended for adult collectors.
They are not toys and are not suitable for direct food use.
Vintage ceramics may contain historical materials or glazes that do not meet modern food safety standards.
We cannot guarantee suitability for modern food, beverage, dishwasher, microwave, oven, or direct cooking use.
Please enjoy them as decorative objects that bring quiet beauty and history into your space.
Handle with care and avoid prolonged exposure to moisture, direct sunlight, or heat.

Liability Disclaimer:
We cannot be held responsible for any accidents, damage, allergic reactions, injury, loss, or issues resulting from the use, handling, aging, restoration, transportation, or storage of vintage or antique items.
All products are sold as decorative vintage collectibles, and customers are responsible for proper handling, display, usage, and storage.
By completing your purchase, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Additional Notes by Region:
■ United States
State taxes, such as Sales Tax, may be collected according to local regulations.
California Proposition 65:
Some vintage items may contain historical materials such as natural lacquer, pigments, metals, or antique finishes. This notice is provided for informational purposes only.
■ European Union (EU)
Our shop is not registered for IOSS or EU VAT collection.
Import VAT, customs processing fees, handling charges, or other import-related charges may be collected upon delivery according to local regulations.
These charges are the responsibility of the buyer.
■ United Kingdom
Our shop is not registered for UK VAT collection.
Import VAT and related charges may be collected upon delivery.
The buyer will be considered the importer of record for customs purposes.
■ Switzerland, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand
Import VAT/GST, customs processing fees, handling fees, carrier fees, or other import-related charges may apply according to local regulations.
For Taiwan:
Registration with the EZ WAY app may be required for customs clearance.
■ Hong Kong
Hong Kong currently does not generally impose VAT/GST on imported goods.

Contact Us:
If you have any questions regarding our items, shipping, usage, dimensions, or condition, please feel free to contact us before purchasing.
We’re happy to assist you and will do our best to respond as promptly as possible.
Thank you for considering a piece from our kura — each item carries a quiet story shaped by time in Japan.
This piece is part of our curated collection discovered in rural Japan.
On our official website, we share:
– the story of the kura (traditional Japanese storehouse) where this item was discovered
– background on how similar objects were once used in everyday life
– exclusive collections and pieces not listed elsewhere
We hope these objects will continue their quiet journey with you.