What is faceting｜The difference between Edo faceting, Satsuma faceting, and Otaru faceting and its charm
What is faceting｜The difference between Edo faceting, Satsuma faceting, and Otaru faceting and its charm
Faceting is one of Japan's traditional glass craft techniques. A rotating metal wheel is pressed against the surface of the glass with an abrasive to create a unique design by grooving and polishing. Products made with this technique are also called faceted. The name "faceted glass" is said to derive from "kiriko-gata," which refers to the shape of a cube with its corners cut off.
This article focuses on the three facets that we carry in our showroom, Edo faceted glass, Satsuma faceted glass, and Otaru faceted glass, and discusses the differences and attractions of each.
History of faceting
Before describing each facet, we will discuss the history of faceting.The introduction of faceted glass technology began when cut glass was brought to Japan by missionaries during the Age of Exploration in the 16th century. Later, glass production began in Nagasaki, and in the Edo period (1603-1867), glass was produced in Osaka, Edo, Satsuma, and other areas throughout Japan.
Japanese faceting developed independently based on Western techniques. There are differences in raw materials and manufacturing methods. In Japan, lead glass was used, and the technique of creating cut patterns by manual friction continued until the early Meiji period.
type of faceted glass from Edo
Edo faceting is a faceting technique that originated in the town of Edo in the late Edo period. Edo faceting, which developed from the culture of the common people, is characterized by its delicate and beautiful carving techniques.
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Glass Structure
Edo faceting is a double-layered structure of thinly colored glass blown into a glass mold and then overlaid with a layer of clear glass.The following is a list of the most common problems with the
Cutting Features
Edo faceting is characterized by clear, thin cut lines. The contrast between the transparent glass and colored glass is sharp and clear.The following is a list of the most common problems with the
color
Although today's Edo faceting is characterized by a wide variety of colors, when it was first made in the Edo period, it was mostly colorless and transparent.
sense of touch
The cut is deeply dug in for an edgy, tactile feel.
design
Edo faceting has a variety of patterns, each with its own meaning. Typical patterns include the igoko motif, kikutsugi motif, hexagonal kagome motif, octagonal kagome motif, chrysanthemum motif, hemp leaf motif, bamboo leaf motif, arrowhead motif, cloisonne motif, and tortoiseshell motif. These patterns have good luck and traditional meanings and are popular as gifts.
Satsuma cut glass (type of faceted glass)
Satsuma faceting was born in the Satsuma domain (present-day Kagoshima Prefecture) at the end of the Edo period. Unlike Edo faceting, it initially developed as a business under the direct control of the clan.
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Glass Structure
Satsuma faceting uses a unique process of layering two layers of clear glass and colored glass.1. This increases the overall thickness of the product, giving it a sense of weight when held in the hand.
Cutting Features
The greatest feature of Satsuma faceted glass is a unique gradation called "Bokashi".1. The boundary between the cut and the color is blurred, giving the overall impression of blurriness.
color
Satsuma faceted glass is made by covering transparent glass with colored glass. By cutting, colored areas and transparent areas are created, creating an exquisite gradation.
sense of touch
Satsuma faceted glass has a unique and comfortable feel to it, with a gurgling texture and a sense of heaviness to the touch due to the increased thickness of the glass.
design
Satsuma faceting also has its own unique patterns. Typical examples are the ring knot pattern, Satsuma stripes, fish pattern, stepped sword and chrysanthemum pattern, hobnail, octagonal baskets, hemp leaf pattern, chrysanthemum flower pattern, and tortoise shell pattern. Many of these patterns are designed using the "bokashi" technique, which is a characteristic of Satsuma faceted glass, and create a beauty with depth.
Otaru faceted glass
Otaru faceting is a faceting technique born in Otaru City, Hokkaido. Although it has a shorter history than Edo faceting or Satsuma faceting, it has its own unique charm.
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History
Otaru faceting developed from the glass industry that began in Otaru during the Meiji era. It was born out of the demand for durable glass products suited to Hokkaido's harsh climate.
design
The designs are characterized by Hokkaido's natural motifs. Many of the cut patterns are inspired by snow crystals and drift ice.
color
Otaru faceting is characterized by cool blue and green tones. This is inspired by the sea and forests of Hokkaido.
technique
Otaru faceting has developed in its own unique way while incorporating Edo faceting and Satsuma faceting techniques. It is characterized by the use of thick glass and deep, powerful cuts.
Faceting manufacturing process
1. 割付（わりつけ）
割付は、切子を作る際の最初の工程で、デザインに沿って目印をガラスの表面にマーカーで書き込む作業です。精密な仕上がりのための重要な下準備となり、全体のバランスや形状がこの段階で決まります。
2. 粗ずり（あらずり）
粗ずりでは、割付で示した目印に沿ってガラスを粗削りします。主に形状を整える工程で、専用の道具を使いながら大まかなデザインを形作ります。この後の仕上げ作業の基盤となる重要なプロセスです。
3. 石掛け（いしかけ）
石掛けは、粗ずりで大まかに整えた表面をさらに細かく削り、デザインをより鮮明にする工程です。細かな研磨用の石や道具を用いて滑らかな表面に整え、精密な模様を際立たせます。
4. 磨き（みがき）
磨きは、石掛け後のガラス表面に光沢を出すための最終的な仕上げ工程です。研磨材や専用機械を使い、透明感と美しい輝きを与えます。この工程によって切子特有の華やかな光の反射が生まれます。
江戸切子と薩摩切子、小樽切子では細部の技法や仕上がりに違いがありますが、基本的な製造工程はこの4段階に集約されます。
summary
Faceting is one of the most fascinating techniques in Japanese glass art. Edo faceting, Satsuma faceting, and Otaru faceting each have their own unique history and characteristics, reflecting the culture and techniques of each region of Japan. These facets are not merely beautiful crafts, but are valuable embodiments of Japanese culture and history.