Edo Kiriko Cut-Glass Crystal & Kappabashi Hand-Forged Chef Knives

Originating in 1834 during the Edo period when glassware artisan Kagaya Kyubei began incising intricate patterns into glass surfaces using emery sand abrasives, Edo Kiriko is designated as a National Traditional Craft of Japan. The hallmark technique is "Iro-kise" (cased glass)—fusing an ultra-thin layer of vivid colored crystal (traditionally deep cobalt blue Ruri or vibrant ruby red Aka) over a clear core, which licensed traditional master craftsmen hand-carve using diamond-grit grinding wheels without tracing any preliminary guides. Each facet sparkles like multifaceted jewels, reproducing classical Edo auspicious motifs such as chrysanthemum lattice (Kikutsunagi), glistening fish roe (Nanako), and bamboo basket-weave (Kagome). Savoring chilled Japanese sake or whisky from an authentic Edo Kiriko rock glass or guinomi tumbler elevates the sensory drinking experience through brilliant refractive light. Just a short walk from Asakusa lies "Kappabashi Kitchen Town," an 800-meter street boasting 170 specialized culinary hardware shops catering to Michelin-starred chefs. At historic cutlery ateliers such as Kamata Hakensha (founded in 1923), visitors can acquire hand-forged Japanese Damascus steel chef knives (multipurpose Santoku, slicing Gyuto, or vegetable Nakiri) complete with complimentary on-the-spot personalized kanji name engraving on the steel blade. Eligible for 10% Tax-Free shopping upon passport presentation. Glassware ranges from ¥6,000 to ¥35,000, while hand-forged knives range from ¥10,000 to ¥45,000.