I spoke with Akihiro Eda, the owner of Glass Studio Aun and a glass craftsman, about what he values and his vision for the future.
I want to be a place where people can encounter the perfect work for them, like "Aun no Kokyu"
Can you tell us the origin of the shop's name?
Eda (no honorifics)
The shop name "aun" is derived from "Aun no Kokyu" (the breath of Aun). "Aun no Kokyu" means "to be in perfect harmony." At our shop, we hope that customers can encounter the perfect work for them, which is why we named it "aun."
I moved to Kurashiki to convey the charm of glass to more people
Before establishing your workshop in Kurashiki Craft Work Village, you were active in Yunogo, right?
Eda
I am originally from Okayama City, but by chance, I started operating Glass Studio Aun as a workshop and shop in Yunogo, Mimasaka City, Okayama Prefecture, in 2013.
While I enjoyed my creative activities in Yunogo, Kurashiki has the Ohara Museum of Art in the Bikan Historical Area and is vibrant with folk crafts. I wanted to convey the charm of glass to various customers from different countries and regions, so I moved my workshop to Kurashiki.
Have there been any changes since moving from Yunogo to Kurashiki?
Eda
As expected, various customers interested in art have started coming to visit.
Collaboration products with the Ohara Museum of Art and Usagiya have also been created. These are things that became possible because I came to Kurashiki.
Can you share a moment that made you happy while running the shop?
Eda
Customers find it interesting that the workshop and store are integrated. For me, seeing customers happy is very rewarding.
Additionally, we have customers who have purchased glass pens from other shops. It makes me happy when such customers say, "Aun's glass pens are easy to write with!"
I want to create "glass pens that fit the user's lifestyle"
Is there anything you value when producing glass pens?
Eda
There are three main things I value: "ease of writing, color changes in glass, and ease of holding."
Above all, I strive to create glass pens that fit the user's lifestyle.
The size of hands, comfortable grip, and how one holds a pen vary from person to person. Since we make them by hand in the workshop rather than selling ready-made products, we can customize the thickness to suit each individual.
Also, since the glass made with torch work has different colors, I want customers to enjoy that as well. I hope they can come to the store and choose their favorite piece with their own eyes.
Can you tell us why you allow only one group to enter the store at a time?
Eda
The initiative started as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
When I allowed only one group to enter, I was able to thoroughly explain the glass pens to the customers present at that time. It became a time for customers to carefully look at the glass pens, and I realized that this style suits our shop.
As I mentioned earlier, I want to create glass pens that fit the user's lifestyle. Therefore, I still allow only one group to enter at a time so that I can communicate thoroughly with customers.
I want people to find their favorite piece by seeing it with their own eyes and holding it in their hands
What kind of experience do you want users to have through the glass pens from Glass Studio Aun?
Eda
I want them to come to love writing.
At first glance, some people might think that glass pens are fragile and hesitate to touch them. However, since we guide only one group at a time, staff members are close to the customers. Therefore, I want them to feel free to pick them up and try writing. I would be happy if they enjoy the unique writing feel of glass pens after actually trying them out.
Can you share your future outlook?
Eda
Recently, more and more people from overseas have become interested in glass pens. Our workshop also sometimes travels abroad. I want to be a presence that can convey glass pens from Kurashiki to overseas.
Personally, I also want to broaden the scope of my work as a glass craftsman. Currently, I am interested in creating works using cut glass and gemstone polishing techniques.
Finally, please give a message to the readers.
Eda
If you have even a little interest in glass pens, please feel free to visit our shop. I would love for you to pick up a glass pen and experience trial writing.
Conclusion
I love stationery, so every time I visit a specialty stationery store or ink shop, I would gaze longingly at the glass pens displayed in glass showcases. However, it takes courage to touch delicate glass pens, so I would only admire them from afar.
However, at Glass Studio Aun, you can pick up the glass pens that catch your interest and even enjoy trial writing. Since only one group is allowed in at a time, the staff is there to support you, allowing you to touch them with confidence and enjoy the writing feel and the way light enters.
In today's world, where the functions of tablets and computers are expanding, the time spent crafting each letter with your favorite pen will feel precious.
From consultations like "How would I enjoy a glass pen in my daily life?" to choosing a glass pen that fits your hand, why not experience Glass Studio Aun?
Data on Glass Studio Aun
| Name | Glass Studio Aun |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-30 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-489-0988 |
| Parking | None |
| Business Hours | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Closed | Thursday |
| Payment Methods |
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| Website | Eda Akihiro Glass Works |
