The Edo Kiriko Cooperative Association (Ojima, Koto Ward, Representative Director: Mitsuhiro Sato) has designated July 5th as "Edo Kiriko Day" based on a pun using the traditional pattern "Nanako" (fish roe). To commemorate the occasion, the "Edo Kiriko Showroom," the official shop for Edo Kiriko run by the association, will host an exhibition of award-winning works by emerging young artisans and a sales fair featuring limited edition items from various workshops. Guinomi (sake cup) with Nanako pattern, by Hidenori Takano ◆July 5th is Edo Kiriko Day. July 5th is Edo Kiriko Day. Edo Kiriko is said to have originated in the late Edo period, in the 5th year of Tenpo (1834), when Hisakubee Kagiya, a glass merchant in Odenma-cho, Edo, devised techniques for decorating the surface of glass. Since then, it has been passed down to the present day, overcoming difficulties such as earthquakes and war. It was designated as a traditional craft of Tokyo Metropolis in 1985 (Showa 60) and as a national traditional craft in 2002 (Heisei 14). Introduction to Edo Kiriko Day ◆July 5th comes from "Nanako". July 5th is derived from a pun, reading "7" and "5" as "nanako," in honor of "Nanako," one of Edo Kiriko's representative patterns. Nanako Pattern The Nanako pattern is a traditional Japanese design also found in metalwork and textiles. In kiriko craftsmanship, it is said to be inspired by fish roe, and it is a pattern that requires meticulous and precise work, where fine cuts intersect accurately to create uniform and beautiful "grains." It embodies the artisans' sure skill, the resonance of the word "nanako," and the desire to deliver the brilliance of kiriko and a moment of coolness towards summer, when it is used in tableware for kaiseki cuisine, among other things. ◆Exhibition of award-winning works from the "New Works Exhibition" at the official shop. Every spring, our association holds the "Edo Kiriko New Works Exhibition," a competition for kiriko artisans' skills and designs