Keep it long, treasure it long.

A glass where you can feel the warmth of handwork

Glass that is made by air-blowing has the charm of being a one-of-a-kind item because even with the same product, there are subtle differences in shape and pattern. Hizen Vidro's long-selling "Jomon Series" bowls are a place where you can enjoy such charm. The blue and red rope pattern is somehow nostalgic, and the slightly wavy glass gives you the warmth of handwork. This series has long been popular among Hizen Vidro not only because of its design, but also because it is light and easy to hold.

A glass to enjoy individuality

Free-blowing is one of the oldest and most skillful techniques of blown glass. In general, blown glass is broadly divided into “mold blowing” and “free-blowing”. Since it is made by fitting it into a mold, the shape and size are uniform. On the other hand, "free blowing" is a technique that uses only a few tools and only craftsmen's skills without using a mold. Because it is molded in the air, each shape is different, but the shape has a somewhat natural and gentle texture, and the surface is smooth and glossy. At Hizen Vidro, almost all of our products are made using the blow-blowing method, and even with the same product, there are differences in the pattern and shape, but this is the essence of blow-blowing.

The 2-piece rock set has a wide mouth, making it easy to put ice cubes in, and an orthodox shape that is easy to use in everyday life. A set of two red and blue cups that can be used for any occasion, such as on-the-rocks sake or barley tea with ice. When you actually hold it in your hand, you will be surprised at how light it is, contrary to its bulky appearance.

No two handmade cups have exactly the same pattern. A set of 2 locks that are easy to use in everyday life and have gorgeous colors are in a cosmetic box, so they will be appreciated not only for your home but also as a gift for weddings and housewarmings. Rope is used to tie things together or pull them together, so it is an auspicious pattern that brings happiness. When placed on a desk, Hizen Vidro gives off a crisp beauty that makes cold drinks even more delicious.

The phantom technique, Japanese blowing *The Jomon series is made by air blowing.


One of the reasons why Hizen Vidro is designated as an important intangible cultural property of Saga City is the technique of blowing glass called “Japan blowing”. It is the rarest technique in the world and the only one in Japan that is used only in Hizen Vidro. This is because products made with Japanese blowing have a spout. This is because the body part is made first, and then the glass is attached to another glass rod and glued to the body to make the spout.

The reason why Japanese blowing is said to be an illusion is because it is difficult to acquire the technique. Normally, an iron blowing rod is used to produce blown glass, but Japan blowing uses a glass blowing rod. In addition to the fact that blowing a long, thin glass blowing rod itself requires skill, tempering (during production, the temperature drops and hardens, making it difficult to shape). Since it is not possible to keep the constant constant, everything is done quickly and it becomes a one-shot game. Due to the difficulty of creating shapes based on centrifugal force and the center of gravity, it takes several decades to become a full-fledged fisherman. This is a special technique that is only used for a few Hizen Vidro products, but it leads to the unique shape and texture of Hizen Vidro. Among the Hizen Vidro products handled by ZUTTO, Hizen Kanbin is made with this technique.

Hizen Vidro from the Edo Period

In 1852, the lord of the Nabeshima domain set up a refining process in the basin of the Tafuse River in Saga City to manufacture cannons. The method of refinement is what is now known as the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research. It was a facility for technical development and improvement to protect and strengthen the clan, such as cannon casting, and a glass kiln, which was rare at the time, was built, and beakers and flasks were mainly made for scientific experiments. The glass technology cultivated here spread to the manufacture of daily necessities such as lamps and tableware after the Meiji Restoration. Seirenkata became a private company called Seirensho, and Genichiro Soejima became independent in 1903 and founded Soejima Glass Industry. Hizen Vidro, which could only be made by craftsmen, is disappearing in the wave of modern mechanization.