Trane & Fuji – Edo Kiriko whisky glass

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 colourless, transparent crystal glass with a thin layer of coloured glass.

The coloured 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 colour. The colouring is created with pure gold, which is why the red tone is often referred to as “gold ruby.”

The deep red colour provides a spectacular contrast to the colourless, 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 coloured 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.

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

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.

Delivery and Shipping

Worldwide shipping

We ship from Denmark to customers worldwide. Available carriers, delivery methods and the final shipping price are shown at checkout and depend on destination, parcel size and weight.

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In-stock products are normally dispatched within 1–2 business days. Many Rune-Jakobsen Woodworks products are handmade to order; the current production time is shown on each product page.

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Orders within the EU are shipped without import duties. Orders to the USA are shipped DDP, so duties and tariffs are calculated and paid at checkout. For UK orders, UK VAT is added at checkout. For other non-EU destinations, local taxes or import fees may apply unless checkout specifies DDP delivery.

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You will receive tracking information when the order has been dispatched. Please contact us if tracking does not update, a parcel arrives damaged or the carrier requests charges that were already paid at checkout.

Questions about delivery: info@rune-jakobsen.dk.

Customs, VAT and Duties

All orders are dispatched from Denmark. The way VAT, duties and import charges are handled depends on the delivery country.

European Union

Prices include the applicable VAT. There are no customs duties on deliveries within the EU.

United Kingdom

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Contact info@rune-jakobsen.dk if a carrier requests a charge that was already paid at checkout.

Personal Customer Service

Our customer service is not a call centre or an AI chatbot. It is Kari or Torben.

When you contact us, you receive a personal reply from someone who knows the products and can advise on dimensions, materials, magnet strength, delivery, care and custom orders. If we cannot answer immediately, we normally reply within a few hours on business days.

Email: info@rune-jakobsen.dk
Kari: +45 42 43 23 76
Torben: +45 42 43 43 93

Terms and Conditions

These terms apply to purchases from Rune-Jakobsen Design ApS. Contact us before ordering if you need clarification about a product, custom dimensions, delivery or returns.

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Prices are shown in the currency and tax setup applicable to your market. We use fixed, fair prices and do not run seasonal sales or Black Friday campaigns. Standing quantity benefits are applied automatically where stated on the website.

Orders and handmade products

An order is confirmed when you receive our order confirmation. Many Rune-Jakobsen Woodworks products are handmade to order. Current production and delivery times are shown on the product page. Natural variations in colour, grain and structure are part of solid wood and handmade materials.

Delivery, VAT and duties

We ship worldwide from Denmark. Shipping options and prices are calculated at checkout. Orders to the USA are shipped DDP, with duties and tariffs charged at checkout. For UK orders, UK VAT is added at checkout. Other international orders may be subject to local taxes or import charges unless checkout states that delivery is DDP.

30-day right of withdrawal

You may withdraw from your purchase within 30 days of receiving it. This applies to standard and custom-made products. Returned items must be unused, undamaged and securely packed. We refund the full purchase price after receiving and checking the return. Return shipping is paid by the customer unless the return concerns an accepted defect or incorrect delivery.

Complaints

Please contact us promptly if an item is damaged, defective or incorrect. Include your order number and photographs where relevant, so we can resolve the matter as efficiently as possible.

Contact

Email: info@rune-jakobsen.dk. We normally reply within a few hours on business days.