Pre-order: Marimo – Edo Kiriko whisky glass by Junichi Nabetani
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Ships within 1-2 business days.
Pre-order: This glass is not yet in stock but can be pre-ordered now. Expected delivery mid to late October.
A rocks/whisky glass in crystal with a piece of nature in the hand – designed and hand-cut by Junichi Nabetani, master of traditional Japanese crafts.
Marimo is a green freshwater alga that grows into soft, almost perfect spheres from a single intertwined thread. In Japan it is both a natural phenomenon and a small good-luck charm – and the motif is made for Edo Kiriko.
The sides of the glass carry the traditional Kiku Tsunagi pattern (linked chrysanthemums) combined with round ball cuts. Look down into the glass and the marimo spheres light up in the base, as if nature lay in the palm of your hand.
With 330 ml and a solid weight of 600 g, the glass is as good for whisky as for cold sake. A design that grows on you with use and never gets old – a gift for Father’s Day or for anyone who loves a good glass.
Like all Kagami Crystal glassware, it comes in a sealed wooden box – ready to give as a gift.
Kagami Crystal glassware is made in small batches and demand is high – so pieces may be sold out or on back order from time to time. Each glass passes through several manual processes by experienced craftsmen, from precision cutting and engraving to the final polishing, and Kagami puts finish, clarity and longevity ahead of large production volumes. That means longer production times and that some models are only available in limited numbers.
Would you like to order more glasses than we have in stock, or pre-order a sold-out model? Write to Kari at info@rune-jakobsen.dk – we will check the options with Kagami and come back to you with the most accurate delivery time and any alternatives.
Information
- Design: Junichi Nabetani, master of traditional crafts
- Technique: Edo Kiriko (hand-cut crystal)
- Material: Crystal glass
- Dimensions: W 8 × D 8 × H 9.5 cm (3.15 × 3.15 × 3.74")
- Capacity: 330 ml (11.16 oz)
- Weight: 600 g (1.32 lbs)
- Packaging: Sealed wooden box
Care & use (important)
- Microwave: No
- Dishwasher: No
- Oven: No
- Direct heat: No
- Do not use metal scourers, abrasive cleaners or chlorine/bleach.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes (risk of stress in the glass).
- The glass must not be stacked.
About real Kagami Crystal.
When comparing crystal glass, two glasses may look similar on the surface – but the difference lies in material quality, optics, precision in the grinding and the way the glass is finished.
Kagami works from a tradition where crystal is not just a “container”, but an object to be experienced in the hand, in the light and in the drink itself.
1) Clarity, brilliance and “tone”
Kagami describes their crystal glass as characterized by high transparency, brilliance and a clear sound, produced by carefully selected, pure raw materials and an uncompromising approach to finish.
These are precisely the properties that are often experienced as “luxury” in practice: The glass looks cleaner, the light is refracted more clearly, and the overall impression feels more precise.
Mass-produced glass can be beautiful, but in cheaper productions you more often see:
- less optical clarity (slight “fog” in the material)
- less depth in the gloss
- a more “flat” light expression because surfaces and edges are not finished to the same level
2) Sanding with depth – not just pattern
On many Kagami glasses, the cut is not just decoration. The cut surfaces are designed to act as small lenses that capture and refract light, so that the glass changes character depending on the angle, liquid and lighting.
In the Edo Kiriko tradition (Japanese cut glass), it is precisely the interplay between cutting and polishing that creates the special “glow” in the cuts. Polishing (buffing) is a separate process where the cut surfaces are worked up to give them their clear lustre and soft reflection – it is a large part of the reason why hand-cut glass feels alive instead of “printed” or mechanical.
3) Crafts and specialized techniques
Kagami works with classic ornamentation methods such as Edo Kiriko (cut glass) and gravure techniques, where the expression is created through controlled, manual processes and many hours of work. This is also one of the explanations why certain models are released in small series and can be sold out for periods.
Where mass production typically optimizes for:
- fast cycle time
- uniform standard finish
- lower cost per unit
…optimizes Kagami's craftsmanship to:
- precision and sharpness in cutting
- high finish in polishing
- strong visual depth and longevity of expression
4) It feels different in the hand
Crystal from premium manufacturers often feels more “real” in use – especially on tumblers and rocks glasses – because the weight, balance, rim and surface finish together give a more calm and luxurious feel.
That experience is difficult to replicate in glass that is primarily designed to hit a low price point.
5) Created for use – but with respect for the material
Kagami crystal glass is not tempered or heat-resistant glass, and that sudden temperature changes should be avoided and the glass should be handled with care.
This is completely normal for quality crystal – and part of the “reality” of choosing a finer material over a harder, more industrial type of glass.
Inspiration: How to make Japanese cut crystal glass · Kagami Crystal — 90 years of Japanese glass art
Relevant products and collections
Crystal glass is a particularly clear and transparent type of glass, made from carefully selected and very pure raw materials.
This gives glass with high transparency, beautiful shine and the characteristic, clear sound associated with high-quality crystal.
Kagami's crystal glass is known for a refined design, precise craftsmanship and a finish where light, clarity and sound merge into a higher unity.
Overlay crystal glass
Overlay crystal is made by coating a piece of colorless, transparent crystal glass with a thin layer of colored glass.
The colored surface layer is then cut or engraved with high precision so that the pattern “opens” the layers underneath.
The result is a vibrant depth and a beautiful contrast between the glass layers – especially when the light hits the cut surfaces.
“Golden Ruby” – KAGAMI’s red crystal
KAGAMI CRYSTAL's red overlay crystal is particularly known for its intense, clear color. The coloring is created with pure gold, which is why the red tone is often referred to as “gold ruby.”
The deep red color provides a spectacular contrast to the colorless, clear crystal glass and highlights facets, patterns and the play of light.
Recommended use
Is KAGAMI crystal lead-free?
KAGAMI's glass is classic crystal, which contains very small amounts of lead. This helps to give it its special clarity, shine and sound.
Is it safe to drink from?
Yes, for regular serving. The most important thing is that the drink does not sit in crystal for a long time.
Kagami's crystal is approved by the American and Japanese health authorities, so if you follow some simple guidelines there is no health risk associated with drinking from crystal glasses. ( See test report from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) here)
What should I avoid?
Avoid storing wine, juice or spirits in crystal for days, weeks or months. Use crystal for pouring and enjoying – not for long-term storage.
- Use crystal to serve and enjoy
- Avoid long-term storage of wine, spirits, juice, etc. in lead crystal (e.g. in decanters for days/weeks/months)
- If you want to be extra careful: Choose lead-free glass for children/pregnant women
Inspiration: How to make Japanese cut crystal glass · Kagami Crystal — 90 years of Japanese glass art
Relevant products and collections
Edo Kiriko is a traditional Japanese art form of glass cutting, known for extremely precise and delicate cuts that transform clear or colored glass into luminous geometry.
The craft developed in Edo – present-day Tokyo – and is characterized by uncompromising handwork: Each surface is cut, polished and honed so that the lines catch the light and create depth, contrast and an elegant play of light in the glass.
A nationally recognized traditional craft
Edo Kiriko is officially certified as a Japanese traditional craft and is also recognized as a traditional craft industry in Tokyo, emphasizing the quality, history, and cultural value inherent in each piece.
That's why Edo Kiriko is so sought after
Light that can be seen and felt: The sharp facets act like small prism surfaces that highlight brilliance and clarity.
Patterns with meaning: Classic motifs often draw inspiration from nature and Japanese design tradition.
A gift with cultural weight: Edo Kiriko is popular in Japan and internationally as a gift that symbolizes Japanese culture, precision and craftsmanship.
Materials and manufacturing
Edo Kiriko is traditionally made in glass types such as crystal glass and soda glass and is finished with special cutting and polishing techniques that have been developed and refined over generations in Tokyo.
Inspiration: How to make Japanese cut crystal glass · Kagami Crystal — 90 years of Japanese glass art
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Eternity and change
KAGAMI CRYSTAL Co., Ltd. is Japan's first manufacturer specializing in crystal glass. The company was founded in 1934 by Kozo Kagami. For more than 80 years, Kagami has refined classic techniques such as hand-blowing and hand-cutting, creating original crystal products - crafted with great precision and respect for the material.
Each piece of crystal is created through collaboration between skilled craftsmen with both technical skill and artistic flair.
The founder and the craft
In 1927, Kozo Kagami studied in Germany. Here he learned the traditions of crystal glass and the art of engraving – and brought the transparent beauty and techniques back to Japan.
With inspiration from Germany and many years of tireless work, he developed the expression and possibilities of crystal glass and helped elevate crystal from craft to art. His work was recognized internationally and was rewarded with several awards at major international exhibitions.
It is not wrong to say that Kagami's history is also an important part of the history of Japan's crystal glass industry.
Supplier to the Imperial Family and Official Occasions
In 1943, Kagami was entrusted with the wedding of Princess Senko (Emperor Showa's first daughter), and the company has been a supplier to the Imperial Family ever since.
Later, Kagami produced service for, among other things:
- 1968: the new building for the Imperial Household Ministry
- 1974: State Guest House and Watoyo Residence
Kagami's crystal glasses are used at official receptions and banquets – including visits by members of the imperial family and international state guests.
Global recognition and modern custom production
Kagami's products are also used by a large number of Japanese embassies and consulates worldwide and are known for their quality, clarity and finish.
In addition to classic crystal glasses, the company also manufactures:
- Crystal crafts and gift items
- Custom-made products
- Advanced crystal bottles, e.g. for wine and perfume
Inspiration: How to make Japanese cut crystal glass · Kagami Crystal — 90 years of Japanese glass art
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Genuine Kagami products are sold exclusively through the authorized dealers listed on Kagami's official dealer list .
We are on that list — as one of only four authorized dealers in Europe and the only one in Scandinavia.
Unique and sought-after products like crystal glass from Kagami will always be attractive to copy and sell at a cheaper price.
KAGAMI CRYSTAL therefore warns that there are copycat products and imitations circulating online, sold by unauthorized dealers.
The copies sometimes imitate both expression, cutting patterns and product names — and may look similar to the original in pictures. But in terms of quality, finish, durability and origin, they cannot compare to genuine Kagami crystal, which is cut by hand in the workshop in Japan.
Be especially careful if you encounter:
- Prices that seem too good to be true
- Unknown webshops without clear sender or contact information
- Product images of varying quality or generic descriptions
- Lack of information about manufacturer, material and country of origin
- Shops not listed on Kagami's official retailer list
All Kagami crystal we stock comes directly from Kagami Crystal Co. in Japan — supplier to the Imperial Household Agency since 1934. We can document the authenticity and origin of each individual product at any time.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us — we will be happy to help you.
Inspiration: How to make Japanese cut crystal glass · Kagami Crystal — 90 years of Japanese glass art
Relevant products and collections
The glasses from KAGAMI will often be sold out and on backorder as they are only produced in limited quantities and demand is high.
A large part of the expression in their crystal – especially the cut and engraved series – requires specialized craftsmanship, with each glass undergoing several manual processes (including precision cutting/engraving and subsequent polishing), performed by experienced professionals.
At the same time, KAGAMI works with uncompromising material quality and a production philosophy that prioritizes finish, clarity and “long-lasting design” over large production volumes.
This means manufacturing in small batches, longer production times and that certain models may have limited availability or be temporarily sold out.
Want to order more glasses than we have in stock or pre-order a sold-out model?
Please contact Kari at info@rune-jakobsen.dk if you have any questions - we will investigate current options with the supplier and return with the most accurate delivery time and any alternatives.
Inspiration: How to make Japanese cut crystal glass · Kagami Crystal — 90 years of Japanese glass art
Relevant products and collections
In-stock items are dispatched within 1-2 working days. Handmade products are made to order — the current lead time is shown on the product page.
We ship with Postnord/DPD, GLS, DHL or UPS, and you choose the carrier and service level yourself at checkout. Shipping is calculated by weight, dimensions and delivery address — we add no margin to shipping.
Starting prices (the final price is calculated at checkout):
- Denmark: From 39 DKK to a parcel shop / 59 DKK to a private address. Free shipping on orders over 2,500 DKK.
- Sweden: From 135 SEK. Free shipping on orders over 2,500 SEK.
- EU countries: From 9 EUR.
- Norway: From 159 NOK. Free shipping on orders over 4,000 NOK.
- United Kingdom: DDP from 14 GBP.
- Switzerland / Liechtenstein: DDP from 19 CHF.
- USA: DDP from 35 USD.
- Canada: From 49 CAD.
- Australia: From 85 AUD.
- New Zealand: From 89 NZD.
- Rest of the world: From 35 USD.
Read the full shipping policy · Customs, VAT and taxes by country
All orders are shipped from our workshop and warehouse in Denmark. For customers in the EU, Norway, the United Kingdom and Switzerland, VAT is included in the price at checkout.
- EU: Local VAT is included — no customs duties, no fees.
- Norway: Norwegian VAT is paid in the webshop (VOEC 3053342). Below 3,000 NOK: no customs duty, the order is shipped DAP. Above 3,000 NOK: any customs duty is calculated and paid in the webshop, the order is shipped DDP. No extra charges on delivery.
- United Kingdom, Switzerland/Liechtenstein and USA: All orders are shipped DDP — VAT and any customs duties are paid at checkout. The price you see is the final price.
- Australia: Shipped DAP. Under 1,000 AUD: no duties or GST. Over 1,000 AUD: duties and GST are collected by the carrier before delivery.
- Canada: Shipped DAP. GST/HST and any handling fee are collected on import; goods of EU origin are duty-free under CETA.
- Other countries: Shipped DAP — local duties and fees are collected by the carrier on arrival.
Our customer service is not a call center or an AI chatbot.
It's Kari or Torben.
When you write to us, you will receive a personal response from us — with in-depth knowledge of the products and a genuine interest in helping you make the right choices.
We have collected the most common questions in our FAQ and on the product pages. If you can't find the answer there, or if you want a product in a special size, you are always welcome to write or call us.
If we cannot respond immediately, you will hear from us within a few hours on all weekdays.
In brief:
- Fixed prices all year round — no sales, no Black Friday, no discount codes. Buy 3 or more tea towels and get 10% off.
- Payment by MasterCard, VISA, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay, MobilePay and local payment methods. In-stock items are charged on dispatch; Woodworks orders are charged when production starts.
- 30-day right of withdrawal on all products — including made-to-order Woodworks products.
- 2-year right of complaint for manufacturing and material defects under the Danish Sale of Goods Act.
- Seller: Rune-Jakobsen Design ApS, Tiendemarken 14 A, Gudum, 9280 Storvorde, Denmark. CVR 46593359.
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