About us

Kingwares — A Fusion of Traditional Craftsmanship and Modern Aesthetics

Our Mission 

We believe that alcohol is more than just a beverage—it is an artistic experience that transcends cultures and time. Kingwares is committed to blending the Japanese traditional craft of Edo Kiriko with Eastern aesthetics, creating drinkware that is both functional and collectible. With every sip, we strive to transform drinking into a sensory feast.

Our Story 

Origins: From Edo Kiriko to Modern Drinkware

In 1834, Japanese glass artisan Kaga-ya Kyūbei, inspired by British glass-cutting techniques, pioneered the use of diamond-tipped wheels to engrave glass, laying the foundation for Edo Kiriko. During the Meiji era, this craft was further enhanced by the integration of Western layered glass technology, giving rise to the iconic "double-layered glass" technique—where the contrast between a transparent base and a colored outer layer refracts light with a brilliance akin to diamonds.

The Birth of Kingwares

We are a group of passionate enthusiasts devoted to the culture of fine drinking, brought together by our deep respect for traditional craftsmanship. In 2015, we encountered a master Edo Kiriko artisan in Kyoto, whose creations seamlessly combined the cool clarity of glass with the refined elegance of drinkware. Inspired by this encounter, we began collaborating with Japanese and Chinese artisans to integrate Edo Kiriko’s geometric engravings into drinkware.

Using high-crystal glass, synthetic crystal, and natural crystal, we craft each piece with unparalleled precision. Every engraved pattern carries the aesthetic legacy of the Edo period while reflecting the modern pursuit of perfection. If you ever hold a Kiriko glass, try turning it towards the light—the shimmering reflections are a testament to the century-old craftsmanship that continues to pulse within the glass.

 

Craftsmanship 

Edo Kiriko: A Century-Old Art of Light and Shadow

Every Kingwares piece is meticulously handcrafted by master artisans, following a time-honored process:

  • Design: Inspired by Edo-period patterns such as hemp leaves and chrysanthemums, we create intricate blueprints featuring geometric shapes, animals, and mythical creatures.
  • Engraving: Using diamond-tipped wheels, craftsmen engrave the glass layer by layer with 0.1mm precision.
  • Polishing: Each piece undergoes a three-step polishing process—coarse grinding, fine grinding, and mirror polishing—to achieve a diamond-like brilliance.
  • Quality Control: Only 10% of our products pass the light transmission and engraving symmetry tests to ensure the highest standards of craftsmanship.

Testimonials

"This Edo Kiriko whiskey glass is a true masterpiece—its elegant grip and intricate engravings allow the whiskey’s aroma to unfold layer by layer. It feels as though I can touch the breath of artisans from two centuries ago."
— A Collector’s Review

Our Values 

  • Balance Between Tradition and Innovation: We preserve the classical beauty of Edo Kiriko while incorporating minimalist modern aesthetics.
  • Sustainability: We maintain lifetime contracts with artisans to ensure the craft’s continuity, and our packaging is made from 100% recyclable materials.
  • Experience-First Approach: We provide tea ceremony guides and drinkware care manuals to immerse users in the cultural rituals behind every piece.