Do you know the glass pen?
A glass pen is a writing instrument originating in Japan. It is dipped into fountain pen ink before writing. Along with the recent fountain pen boom, it is one of the high-end stationery items attracting attention.
At Glass Studio aun, located in one corner of the “Kurashiki Craft Work Village,” a complex facility renovated from a 170-year-old, two-story wooden townhouse in the Bikan Historical Area, you’ll find a workshop and shop specializing in glass products, particularly glass pens.
We visited Glass Studio aun, which hopes to share glass pens designed to fit into their users’ lives with the world, from Kurashiki.
The information presented was current when this article was published in May 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What Is a “Glass Pen”?
As its name suggests, a glass pen is a pen made of glass.
It is a type of dip pen, which is dipped into ink before writing, and was invented by a wind chime maker in the Meiji era. Fountain pen ink is commonly used, but a variety of inks, including calligraphy ink, can also be used.
The nib of a glass pen has eight grooves. Ink flows into them and then down to the tip of the nib. It is generally said that a single dip lets you write continuously for about one postcard’s worth of text.
In addition to their beautiful appearance, their smooth writing feel and practicality—multiple inks can be used simply by rinsing the pen with water—have made them popular around the world.
What Is “Glass Studio aun”?
Glass Studio aun is a glass workshop that opened in 2017, with a workshop and shop in the “Kurashiki Craft Work Village,” in one corner of the Bikan Historical Area.
The studio used to actively make glass accessories and other items, but now focuses on glass pens.
Only one group is admitted at a time, so we recommend calling to make a reservation before visiting. Of course, if there are no other customers inside, you can also just drop in, so feel free to stop by.
A Shop Bathed in Beautiful Natural Light
The “Kurashiki Craft Work Village” is located beyond a narrow lane characteristic of traditional townhouses.
Glass-fronted craft shops line the courtyard, and you can see inside each one from outside, making you curious about the other shops, too.
Warm natural light streams beautifully into the courtyard, making the glass pieces inside the workshop sparkle.
The colors of glass pens look different depending on how the light hits them, so you can pick one up and turn it around to find a color you like.
A Workshop and Shop
Glass Studio aun is a working studio, so you can see glass being made in person.
It’s a rare opportunity to watch the artisans shape glass with a burner and polish pen nibs. I found myself captivated by the skill of these professionals, who also exhibit at events overseas.
Since only one group is admitted at a time, you can talk with the staff while looking around the workshop. You can choose with confidence while discussing things like how to incorporate a glass pen into your daily life and how to maintain it after purchase.
Collaborations with Art Museums and Stationery Shops in Kurashiki City
The shop is lined with colorful glass pens and inks. There are many varieties, so you can choose a glass pen that suits your lifestyle.
Some of the glass pens are collaborations with the Ohara Museum of Art, including designs inspired by Monet’s “Water Lilies” and Signac’s “The Canal at Overschie.”
Paintings cannot be taken out of the Ohara Museum of Art. Also, only pencils may be used for taking notes inside the museum. Glass artist Eda Akihiro says he visited the Ohara Museum of Art many times and repeatedly made prototypes.
While looking at the ink section, I spotted aun’s original ink!
“Twilight Teal” captures the way a lake’s surface turns a deep blue-green at dusk. There’s also a glass pen and pen rest to match this ink. It would be lovely to get the whole set.
I also spotted inks from Usagiya, a large stationery store in Kurashiki City. Usagiya is known for its wide range of fountain pen inks created in collaboration with foods and scenery, such as “Ote Manju” and “Shimotsui Octopus.” It looks like fun to pair one of their inks with a favorite glass pen.
How to Book a Visit and Buy a Glass Pen at Glass Studio aun
At Glass Studio aun, glass pens are made one at a time to suit each user. Here’s how to book a visit:
- When making your reservation, tell them which two types of glass pens you’d like to see
- Visit and hold the two specified glass pens to see how they feel in your hand
- If neither feels right, choose from the glass pens in the shop or make an appointment to visit again
- Once you’ve decided which glass pen to buy, choose the nib thickness
I decided to try choosing a glass pen myself.
This is how you find the perfect pen, through repeated prototyping and test writing.
Since each piece of glass has a different color, the key is to choose one by looking at it in person, rather than online.
I was also interested in storm glasses, whose patterns change with the outside temperature, but I fell in love with the blue that sparkled in the sunlight and chose Lagoon (the one I’m holding up to the sunlight in the photo above).
Each glass pen made also differs in thickness. They take into account how you hold and grip your pen, and help you find the one that feels best for you.
Since the nib is also made of glass, I nervously tried writing, afraid it might break if I pressed too hard. But the writing felt much smoother than I expected, which was a revelation. Thinking, “I could use this!” I chose the “FM” barrel, similar to the pens I usually use, such as ballpoint pens.
Even after purchase, the shop offers maintenance if ink clogs the pen shaft or you want to change the nib thickness. They say some customers bring their pens in for maintenance about once a month, while most do so about once a year.
Glass may seem difficult to handle, but knowing that careful aftercare is available makes you think, “Maybe I’ll try using one in everyday life.”
We spoke with shop owner and glass artisan Eda Akihiro about what Glass Studio aun values and its vision for the future.
Glass Studio aun details
| Name | Glass Studio aun |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-30 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-489-0988 |
| Parking | None |
| Hours | 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Thursday |
| Payment methods |
|
| Website | Eda Akihiro Glass Works |
What would you like to know about Kurashiki?
Enter a search term to find articles on this site
