What is Tsugaru Vidoro?
Tsugaru Vidoro is one of the traditional crafts from Aomori in Northern Japan. It is famous for the beauty of its colour created from the combination of over 100 different hues. Every single piece of Tsugaru Vidro is handmade by glass artisans.
In 1949, Hokuyo Glass Co., Ltd started to produce glass fishing floats, the glass buoys strung into fishermen’s nets and droplines to keep them afloat. By 1973, they became the key manufacturer of glass fishing floats in Japan. However, as plastic floats took over the market, and they began to produce flower vases and other glassware using the same "Chubuki" hand-blown glass techniques. Chubuki is a traditional technique used to form glassware without using moulds or machinery. The glass artisans carefully blow the hot glass to make beautiful curves and unique colours. Each piece is different. Each piece has a different story thanks to the unique work of the artisans.
The secret of a fistful of sand
The original glass fishing floats were colourless, made simply from transparent glass. One day an artisan came up with the idea to use a fistful of sand from Shichiri-Nagahama while for glassmaking. Amazingly the sand changed its colour to a deep, beautiful green. These stunning natural colours have been loved for many years in Japan, and today Tsugaru Vidro is recognized as Traditional Arts and Crafts of Aomori.
The colour of Aomori
Aomori is the northernmost prefecture in the Tohoku region, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes. People enjoy the apple and cherry blossom in spring, vibrant festivals in summer, stunning coloured leaves in autumn, and heavy snowfall in winter. Aomori enjoys the full spectrum of the seasons' changing colours throughout the year. Nature always wears the colours of the spirit. The glass artisans express the scenery of Aomori and the seasonal variation of Japan’s seasons through their mastery and skill. Thanks to the artisans' many years of experience, these works of Tsugaru Vidoro evoke the light and colour of Aomori.
How to enjoy Tsugaru Vidro
Tsugaru Vidro offers various products, vases, sake cups, plates, oil lamps and many others. There are many ways to enjoy them. Small sake cups can be used as appetizers, and tumblers can be used as ice cream or dessert cups. Tsugaru Vidro brings bright colours into the home. Colour is the source of the power and the joy of nature. Tsugaru Vidro will be a special gift for you and someone you love to share.
