A Special Time Begins with the Advent of Winter
December brings a crisp winter air that gradually envelops the town, signaling the arrival of a favorite season.
The streets glow with illuminations, and a lively, expectant atmosphere fills the air as preparations for Christmas and year-end events get underway.
This unique sense of excitement at this time of year naturally makes one's heart leap.
At Amenoe, we are delighted to welcome the works of glass artist Daiho Kikuchi for the start of winter, offering a moment to feel the changing seasons.
This time of year, with preparations for Christmas and New Year, sees tableware used more than ever.
We wanted to adorn your celebratory tables with Kikuchi-san's beautiful glass creations.
It was with this wish that we commissioned this collection.
We hope you will experience how the sparkling glass vessels and sake sets reflect the winter light and stillness, adding a subtle elegance to your daily dining table.
A New Atelier Visited During Rice Harvest Season
In mid-October, we visited Kikuchi-san's newly completed atelier.
Before autumn deepened, nestled among rice paddies where harvesting was underway, the space was enveloped in clear air, somehow evoking a quiet anticipation for the future.
The building was originally a storehouse used by rice farmers, which Kikuchi-san renovated into his atelier. With a spacious interior and high ceilings, the soft autumn breeze flowed through, and sunlight streaming inside gently illuminated the contours of his works.
To our delight, we were also able to witness the creation process that day.
While glassmaking typically involves two people—one to blow and one to shape—Kikuchi-san performed the tasks alone with surprising fluidity. His focused posture as he shaped the glass fresh from the kiln with his tools was beautiful and deeply impressive.
The moment the still-hot glass shimmered as light passed through it, the clear "clink" sound when metal tools touched it, and the wavering color gradations that moved with his breath.
Drawn in by the light, sound, and the intricate movements of his hands, I found myself inadvertently matching my breathing to Kikuchi-san's rhythm, completely absorbed in the process.
Kikuchi-san's glass is characterized by its elegant, soft pink hue.
This color is achieved by using "amber," a raw material that finishes glass in an amber color, and then blowing it thinly, making it appear softly pink. I was surprised by the depth of glass, having never imagined that amber could produce pink.
Kikuchi-san, being friendly and articulate, kindly accommodated my requests, shaping one desired piece after another right before my eyes.
The Precision of Handcraft
The katakuchi (spouted bowl) I use daily.
Its excellent pour makes enjoying meals and sake more pleasant by eliminating any stress when pouring.
The crucial spout, the key to its finish, was swiftly shaped with tools, and I found myself mesmerized by the intense concentration of that brief moment.
After shaping the spout, the glass attached to the bottom is removed, and the piece is slowly cooled in the kiln over a long period. This careful cooling of the shaped glass prevents cracking due to sudden temperature changes, apparently.
Kikuchi-san’s fluid, continuous movements and the meticulous craftsmanship with which he proceeded through each step.
Mesmerized by the beauty of this harmony, I lost all track of time.
I spent a heart-pounding time, touched by the vibrant scene of creation.
To decide which pieces to bring home, I took my time comparing them on the atelier table.
As I hesitated, finding them all lovely, Kikuchi-san swiftly picked some white lilies from the garden and arranged them in a slender glass vase. With the lilies added, the glass on the table caught the sunlight, revealing an even clearer outline, and a gentle shimmer spread subtly.
I enjoyed the process of carefully selecting pieces while gazing at their transparent layers.
The comfortable atelier, bathed in soft light and gentle autumn breezes, was so inviting that I found myself lingering.
Kikuchi-san, thank you for allowing me to visit your wonderful atelier.
Glass Reflecting Winter Light and Seasonal Decor
From the warm gatherings of Christmas to year-end feasts and the dignified New Year's table, these glass works grace various winter occasions.
While glass is often used in cooler seasons, open-form vessels change their expression under winter light, bringing a light, beautiful, and somewhat refined atmosphere.
For New Year's Eve, set out sake vessels.
The time spent enjoying sake is likely to feel a little more special than usual.
Each piece embodies the soft presence of Kikuchi-san's glass and the gentle touch of his craftsmanship.
At Amenoe, please enjoy this transparent world.
We sincerely look forward to your visit.
