Early Summer Light with Glassware
As May draws to a close, summer is approaching with each passing day.
During this season, when the sun's rays intensify, glass vessels are what I find myself reaching for.
Whether it's the sparkling shimmer as they catch the light or their cool expression when cold drinks are poured into them,
glassware possesses a charm that transforms the heat into a pleasant sensation.
Lately, I've noticed an increasing number of glass items on my dining table.
It seems that summer has arrived a little early at our home.
Small Bowls Suited for Morning Light
Whether it's for serving yogurt with granola or quickly plating a salad,
even such simple meals, when served in the "Sansha Bowl" from Kimura Glassware, instantly bring a refreshing atmosphere to the usual dining table.
When I hold the subtly smoke-gray vessel up to the morning light, countless tiny air bubbles floating within the glass catch the light, sparkling and twinkling.
It's a soft texture, slightly different from crystal-clear glass.
Perhaps it's due to this unique texture and its plump, rounded shape?
I love how it feels warm despite being glass, and how it can be used casually without being overly formal.
Evening Wine and "KISO"
Even after 6 PM, it's still bright outside.
Chilled wine enjoyed in such brightness is exceptional.
The length of the day should be the same, yet I feel like I'm enjoying it longer than usual. Am I the only one who feels this way?
Accompanying these peaceful twilight moments is "KISO" from Kimura Glassware.
I particularly appreciate that, despite being an authentic handmade wine glass, it's not overly pretentious.
The stem isn't too long, providing stability, which makes it easy to use without fuss.
Yet, the glass, made as thin as possible, is delicate and elegant, even its appearance when translucent in the evening light is beautiful.
Even on days when I cook a simple dinner, not just when I've put effort into a meal, having this glass makes me feel sufficiently content.
The extremely thin rim offers a very pleasant mouthfeel, leaving a luxurious lingering impression.
"tatesuji" Changes Expression with Light
Daisuke Kikuchi's "tatesuji" is wonderful not only as a vessel but also for its sculptural presence.
Light shimmers along the delicate vertical lines, casting beautiful shadows on the table.
I welcomed this vessel into my home when the air was still cold in winter.
In the clear winter light, it had a quiet and dignified impression, but looking at it now in early summer, it appears somewhat different.
The glass sparkles as it transmits the stronger sunlight.
It's the same vessel, yet its expression changes so much with the seasons, and I find myself reaching for it more often lately.
I once had the opportunity to observe the production process at Kikuchi-san's studio.
The sight of hot, orange molten glass being blown into a mold to create those beautiful vertical stripe patterns is still vividly etched in my mind.
Since experiencing Kikuchi-san's breath and the heat of the studio firsthand, this vessel has become even more endearing to me.
The subtle warmth I feel behind the cool glass is likely because I know the atmosphere of that place.
The Season for Delicious Cold Herbal Tea
Lately, I've been making more cold herbal tea at home.
I put seasonal herbs I've acquired into the "Hinode Glass Pot," add water, and place it directly in the refrigerator.
The refreshing scent emanating from the glass pot heralds the beginning of summer.
While I enjoy the bubbling of water when it's heated, I also find great comfort in idly watching the fresh green herbs gently sway in the water through the transparent glass.
Just looking at it makes me feel refreshed, and it seems to quietly calm my busy mind.
The chilled herbal tea is poured into a simple glass, also by Daisuke Kikuchi.
A final squeeze of lemon completes a delightfully refreshing drink.
Not only the taste but also its vibrant appearance often pleases guests, making it a staple hospitality item in our home this season.
The smooth roundness of the pot, created by burner processing, and the gentle undulations of the blown glass.
When these two pieces, born from different handcrafted techniques, are placed side by side, the table is filled with an even cooler atmosphere.
Welcoming Summer with Favorite Glassware
Even though we speak of "glassware," its expressions vary greatly depending on the manufacturing method, material, and thickness.
The soft texture unique to recycled glass in Kimura Glassware's "Sansha Bowl." The delicate mouthfeel of "KISO," crafted to be as thin as possible.
The handcrafted undulations inherent in Daisuke Kikuchi's blown glass.
And the reassuring presence born from Hinode-san's burner work.
Born from different backgrounds, these various glass pieces each possess a unique beauty, gently enriching our daily lives.
Summer is now truly upon us.
The sun's rays will intensify further, and the full heat will arrive.
Nevertheless, knowing that my favorite glassware will bring a refreshing scene to the dining table makes me somewhat look forward to the coming season.
With glass sparkling in the dazzling early summer light,
I hope to spend this summer comfortably.
