Whiskey glass, “Ancient Parallel-Cross”

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Unfortunately, we are experiencing that cheap Kagami copy products are circulating online, pretending to be genuine Kagami crystal - and in some cases they imitate both expressions, patterns and product names.

These items may look similar to the original in pictures, but in terms of quality, finish, durability and origin, they cannot compare to the original Kagami glass.

Be especially careful if you see:

• Prices that seem “too good to be true”
• Unknown marketplaces/shops without clear sender or contact information
• Product images with inconsistent quality or “generic” descriptions
• Lack of information about manufacturer, material and country of origin

We exclusively sell original products from KAGAMI CRYSTAL , and we can at all times guarantee the authenticity, origin and documented quality of the products you purchase from us.

If you are in doubt about a product you have seen elsewhere, you are always welcome to contact us — we will be happy to help you assess whether it seems credible or recommend a genuine alternative.

You are always welcome to contact us at:

📞: +45 42 43 43 93

📩: info@rune-jakobsen.dk

Terms of Trade

Here you will find a comprehensive overview of all conditions when you shop at Rune-Jakobsen Design. We have tried to make it as clear and understandable as possible. If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us.

Prices, Discounts & Payment

Currency, VAT & Prices

All prices in the webshop are displayed in your local currency. Prices for customers in the EU and Norway always include the applicable local VAT. For more information about customs and duties, see the section below.

Fixed, fair prices: We believe in the value of good craftsmanship, which is why our prices are the same year-round. We do not participate in sales periods like Black Friday, but instead offer fixed benefits:

• Get 15% off when you purchase 3 or more wooden products.
• Get 10% off when you purchase 3 or more tea towels.
• Find great deals on discontinued items and prototypes in our Outlet .
• Sign up for our monthly newsletter to receive special offers only for subscribers.

💳 Payment

We offer secure payment with MasterCard, VISA, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Shop Pay and MobilePay. All payment information is sent encrypted (SSL) so that only you and your card provider can read it.

When will the money be withdrawn?

• In-stock items: The amount is reserved on your account when ordering and is only deducted when we ship your package.
• Woodworks (custom wood products): As these products are handmade especially for you, the order is considered a binding order. The amount is therefore deducted when your order is approved and production has started. Should you regret your purchase before production has started, we will of course refund the full amount.

Delivery & Shipping

📦 Delivery times

As many of our products are handmade, delivery times vary. Here is an overview:

• Woodworks (Rune-Jakobsen wood products): The expected delivery time is stated on the individual product page. If you have any questions before ordering, please contact Kari on tel. (+45) 42 43 23 76.
• Ceramics & certain kitchen knives (Ansø of Denmark & ​​M-knives): Expect a delivery time of approximately 2-3 weeks.
• In-stock items (shipped within 1-2 business days): Applies to spice grinders, jewelry, most textiles and Japanese chef's knives.
• Especially for Læsø Plaid: Expect a delivery time of approximately 5-7 business days.

🚚 Shipping Rates & Methods

We ship with GLS, DHL or UPS. The exact options and prices are calculated at checkout based on your location and the weight of the order. Here is an overview of starting prices:

• Denmark: 49 DKK to parcel shop / 69 DKK to private address. Free shipping on purchases over 2,500 DKK.
• Sweden: From 135 SEK. Free shipping on purchases over 2,500 SEK.
• Norway: From 159 NOK. Free shipping on purchases over 4,000 NOK.
• EU countries: From 9 EUR.
• United Kingdom (UK): From 14 GBP.
• Switzerland / Liechtenstein: From 19 CHF.
• United States: From 35 USD.
• Canada: From 49 CAD.
• Australia: From 85 AUD.
• New Zealand: From 110 NZD.
• Rest of the world: From 35 USD.

Customs, VAT & Taxes

We ship all items from Denmark (EU). Below you can see what this means for you.

🇪🇺 Orders within the EU

If you are purchasing from an EU country, the price you see at checkout is the final price. All prices include your local country's VAT and you will not be charged any additional fees upon delivery.

🇳🇴 Customers in Norway

If you are shopping from Norway, you can feel completely safe. The price you see at checkout is the final and total price. This is because we ship your package as 'Delivered Duty Paid' (DDP).

• We are VAT registered in Norway ( VOEC no. 2060051 ) and charge Norwegian VAT directly in the webshop.
• Any customs duties for your items will be calculated and included in the total price at checkout.

In other words, you will not be charged any additional costs or fees when importing to Norway.

🌎 Orders outside the EU (Rest of the World)

For countries outside the EU and Norway, orders are shipped as 'Delivered At Place' (DAP). This means that you as the customer are responsible for paying any local import costs (customs, VAT, fees) that are charged by the shipping company upon arrival. These fees are set by local authorities and are beyond our control.

🇬🇧 Customers in Great Britain (UK)

For purchases up to 135 GBP, there is no duty charge. For orders over this amount, you will be charged UK import duties. Read more from the UK authorities here .

🇺🇸 Customers in the USA

Orders placed via the Shop app (from Shopify) will automatically be charged applicable US sales tax. Orders placed directly in our webshop follow the general import rules as described above.

⏎ Returns & Complaints

30 Day Cancellation Policy

You have 30 days from receipt to notify us that you regret your purchase. After that, you have an additional 8 days to return the item. The right of withdrawal applies to all standard products.

Exception: For custom-made products, the right of withdrawal only applies if this has been agreed in writing in advance.

How to return

1. Please notify us of your return at hello@rune-jakobsen.design .
2. Pack the item securely in unused and undamaged condition.
3. Send the package to the address below. You will be responsible for the return shipping costs, unless it is a complaint.

Return address:
Rune Jakobsen Design
Attn: Kari Rune-Jakobsen
Tiendemarken 14 A, Gudum
9280 Storvorde
Denmark

Danish customers: You can order a return label via Shipmondo here (only applies to cancellations).

Once we have received the returned item, we will refund the full purchase amount.

Complaint

You have a 2-year warranty on manufacturing and material defects according to the Danish Sales Act. The warranty does not cover defects or wear and tear resulting from improper use, violence or lack of maintenance.

If you wish to make a complaint about an item, please contact us as soon as possible and no later than 14 days after you have discovered the fault. If the complaint is approved, we will of course cover the return costs.

Legal & Contact

Disclaimer & Intellectual Property Rights

All products are sold "as is" and it is the customer's responsibility to use them safely and appropriately. Rune-Jakobsen Design cannot be held liable for damages resulting from misuse or incorrect use. All content on this website (text, images, design) belongs to Rune-Jakobsen Design and may not be copied without written permission.

Company information

Rune Jakobsen Design
by Torben & Kari Rune-Jakobsen
Tiendemarken 14 A, Gudum
9280 Storvorde, Denmark
CVR: DK27029167
Norwegian VOEC: 2060051

Contact us

If you have any questions, we are here to help.

Telephone: (+45) 42 43 43 93 / (+45) 42 43 23 76
Email: info@rune-jakobsen.dk

📦 Delivery

Delivery times

As many of our products are handmade to order, delivery times vary. Here is an overview so you know what to expect:

• Woodworks (Rune-Jakobsen wood products):
  Due to high demand for the handmade products from Rune-Jakobsen woodworks, delivery time must be expected. The current delivery time is stated under each individual product on the product pages. If you have any questions before ordering, you are very welcome to contact Kari on tel. (+45) 42 43 23 76 or email info@rune-jakobsen.dk
  
• Ceramics & certain kitchen knives (Ansø of Denmark and M-knives)
  These products are also made to order. Expect a delivery time of approximately 2-3 weeks.
• In stock items (1-2 day delivery):
  Spice mills, jewelry from Scherning CPH, home textiles and Japanese chef's knives are in stock and shipped within 1-2 business days.
• Læsø Plaid:
  Expect a delivery time of approximately 5-7 business days.

🚚 Shipping & Prices

Shipping

We offer flexible delivery with GLS, DHL or UPS. The exact options and carriers depend on your location and will be presented to you at checkout.

Shipping prices

The price for delivery depends on your location and the weight of the shipment. Here is an overview of our starting prices. The final price is always calculated at checkout.

• Denmark: 49 DKK to parcel shop / 69 DKK to private address. Free shipping on purchases over 2,500 DKK.
• Sweden: From 135 SEK. Free shipping on purchases over 2,500 SEK.
• EU countries: From 9 EUR.
• Norway: From NOK 159. (See customs and VAT info below).
• United Kingdom (UK): From 12 GBP.
• Switzerland / Liechtenstein: From 19 CHF.
• United States: From 35 USD.
• Canada: From 49 CAD.
• Australia: From 85 AUD.
• New Zealand: From 89 NZD.
• Rest of the world: From 35 USD.

🛃 Customs, VAT & Taxes

We ship all items from our base in Denmark (EU). Below you can see what this means for you.

🇪🇺 Orders within the EU

If you are purchasing from an EU country, the price you see at checkout is the final price. All prices include your local country's VAT and you will not be charged any additional fees upon delivery.

🇳🇴 Customers in Norway

If you are shopping from Norway, you can feel completely safe. The price you see at checkout is the final and total price. This is because we ship your package as 'Delivered Duty Paid' (DDP).

• We are VAT registered in Norway ( VOEC no. 2060051 ) and charge Norwegian VAT directly in the webshop.
• Any customs duties for your items will be calculated and included in the total price at checkout.

In other words, you will not be charged any additional costs or fees when importing to Norway.

🌎 Orders outside the EU

For other countries outside the EU, orders are sent as 'Delivered At Place' (DAP).

This means for you as a customer:

• You are responsible for paying any import charges levied by the shipping company upon arrival in your country. This may include customs duties, import VAT and handling fees.
• These fees are set by the local authorities in your country and are beyond our control.

Worth knowing: Many countries have a de minimis threshold where orders under a certain value are exempt from customs duties. We recommend that you check the applicable rules for your country with your local customs authorities if you are in doubt.

By completing a purchase, you agree to these terms.

🇬🇧 Customers in Great Britain (UK)

For purchases up to 135 GBP, our goods are duty free. For orders over this amount, you will be charged UK import duties. Read more from the UK authorities here .

🇺🇸 Customers in the USA

Starting January 1, 2025, orders placed through the Shop app (from Shopify) will automatically be charged applicable US sales tax at checkout. This applies to all states that have sales tax. Orders placed directly in our webshop (including via Shop Pay) are exempt from this automatic calculation and follow the general import rules as described above.

ℹ️ General Information

Subject to change

Rune-Jakobsen Design reserves the right to continuously change and update prices, terms and conditions.

Contact

If you have any questions, we are here to help.

Phone: (+45) 42 43 43 93
Email: info@rune-jakobsen.dk

We ship all items from our warehouse in Denmark (EU). Below you can see what this means for you.

🇪🇺 Customers from EU countries

If you are shopping from an EU country, the price you see at checkout is the final price.

All prices include your local VAT and you will not be charged additional fees upon delivery.

🇳🇴 Customers from Norway

We are VAT registered in Norway (VOEC 2060051) and collect Norwegian VAT and any customs duties directly in the webshop.

• Products with a value of less than 3,000 NOK are not subject to customs duties.
• Products with a value exceeding 3,000 NOK may be subject to customs duties depending on the product type. 
  

Orders that are subject to customs duties will be shipped DDP (Delivered Duty Paid).

This means that all import duties and customs fees are paid in advance in the webshop so there are no surprise fees or delays at customs - just hassle-free delivery straight to your door.

If you want to check in advance whether there is duty on a product, you can see more here at Tollkalkulatoren

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kari at info@rune-jakobsen.dk

Customers from 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

VAT and any customs duties are calculated and paid directly at checkout in the webshop - so you know the full price in advance.

No surprise fees, no customs delays, just hassle-free delivery straight to your door.

Customers from 🇺🇸 USA

When you shop with us, your order is shipped DDP (Delivered Duty Paid).

This means that customs duties and tariffs are calculated and paid directly at checkout in the webshop – so you know the full price in advance.

No surprise fees, no customs delays, just hassle-free delivery straight to your door.

🌎 Customers from 🇨🇦 Canada,🇨🇭Switzerland, 🇦🇺 Australia and other countries outside the EU

For other countries outside the EU, orders are sent as 'Delivered At Place' (DAP).

This means for you as a customer:

• You are responsible for paying any import charges levied by the shipping company upon arrival in your country. This may include customs duties, import VAT and handling fees.
• These fees are set by the local authorities in your country and are beyond our control.

Worth knowing: Many countries have a de minimis threshold where orders under a certain value are exempt from customs duties. We recommend that you check the applicable rules for your country with your local customs authorities if you are in doubt.

By completing a purchase, you agree to these terms.

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Contact info@rune-jakobsen.dk with any questions.