Tsugaru Vidro
津軽ビードロ
“You can feel the warmth crafted by the artisan's hands and the delicate beauty of the glass”
- Nao Takada
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Historical Background
Historical Background
Tsugaru Vidro is a local, hand-made glass craft in Aomori prefecture. They are only made by Hokuyo Glass Company of ISHIZUKA GLASS CO. The company was originally engaged in creating a fishery production, bobbers, since 1949. With the appearance of plastic bobbers, they began to produce glass products. They utilized the refined technique of creating bobbers to produce glassworks. The technique is called “Tyu-buki (air glassblowing).” The artisans blow air into glasses with their mouths into melted glasses around 1500ºC heat of the furnaces. They master the technique of blending colored glass beautifully and air glassblowing in mid-air so that the Tsugaru Vidro brings Japanese seasonal beauty to customers.
Characteristic
Characteristic
The biggest characteristics of Tsugaru Vidro are its vivid coloring and homemade story. When they produced fishery bobbers, they used non-colored glass, but after that, one day, a coincident mixture of Shichirinagahama sand into glasses consequently contributed to its beautiful coloring. Recently, the company has marketed the Tsugaru Vidro more popular with the slogan of ‘Sense the seasons in handmade glass.’ Motifs are the Japanese seasons and beautiful scenery and culture of Aomori prefecture, such as the cherry blossoms, apples, and Nebuta festival. They produce not only tableware but also flower bases or other interia.
To Know More
To Know More
This video showcases the process of crafting Tsugaru Vidro. Watch as skilled artisans passionately shape and create each piece by hand, reflecting both the seriousness and warmth of their craft. We can see the production journey reveals the dedication to handmade glassware, from molten glass to delicate creations. (JPN only)
Hokuyo Glass Company has developed an upcycled product, the “DOUBLE F UKIDAM EDITION,” crafted from discarded glass float balls. This innovative product is attracting attention as a masterpiece of craftsmanship, blending traditional techniques with a modern eco-friendly mindset and contemporary design. (JPN only)
Factory
Tsugaru Vidro is only produced by Hokuyo Glass Company (北洋硝子株式会社). Unfortunately, they are not providing crafts experience after the COVID-19 pandemic, but you can visit their factory for free (reservation required).
*Website: https://tsugaruvidro.jp/
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