grad. ice by Shizuka Tatsuno

The brand grad. brings out the distinctive gradation of Satsuma Kiriko cut glass using simple shapes. Artisans overlay lightly-tinted colored glass in thick layers, and then cut the glass at a depth and width that naturally creates a rich gradation of hues. The contrasting shades of color in the cut sections are accentuated as light filters through the glass; and when filled with water, the elegantly shimmering glass draws you deep into a mystical world.

Each piece has been carefully crafted by artisans using the shaping technique of glass blowing. This technique of layering glass involves placing many sheets of colored glass on top of each other. Even among the cut glass items produced worldwide, it is apparently quite rare for a single studio to complete all the processes in crafting one item – from the layering of hand-blown glass to inserting cuts into it.

Deep cuts are meticulously made into each layer of glass, so as to bring out the brilliance of the color gradation in the cut sections and accentuate the overall shape. The appeal of grad. is its simple designs with detailed attention to the subtle angles of each object. It is such fastidiousness for fine design that requires these refined skills in glass blowing and layering.

When I encountered Satsuma Kiriko cut glass, I was fascinated by the depth of gradation reflected in and through the glass. The contrasting shades of color in the cut sections are accentuated as light filters through the glass, and it shimmers elegantly when filled with water. These effects are produced by overlaying lightly-tinted color glass in thick layers, and cutting the glass at a depth and width that naturally creates a rich gradation of hues. Combining two or three layers of colored glass with transparent glass creates an even more magical world of gradation. I used simple shapes to highlight the allure of Satsuma Kiriko’s distinctive changes in color. I was also truly impressed to see for myself the dedicated and genuine artisans earnestly crafting these items in a studio surrounded by lush green nature.

Name: grad. ice

Size: φ59 × H150 mm

Weight: about 400g

Specification:

- Brand : grad.

- Production : Satuma Vidro Artcrafts Co., Ltd

- Material : Glass

- Color : Blue, Green, Indigo Blue, Ultramarine Blue

- Capacity : 200ml