We spoke with Eda Akihiro, owner of Glass Studio aun and a glass artisan, about what he values and his vision for the future.
We want to be a place where people can find the perfect piece for them, like “being in perfect sync”
What inspired the shop’s name?
Eda (surname only)
The shop name “aun” comes from “aun no kokyu,” meaning “being in perfect sync.” We named the shop “aun” with the hope that our customers will find the perfect piece for them here.
Moved to Kurashiki to share the appeal of glass with more people
Before setting up your studio at Kurashiki Craft Work Village, you were working in Yunogo, weren’t you?
Eda
I’m from Okayama City, and through a fortunate connection, I started running Glass Studio aun as a combined studio and shop in Yunogo, Mimasaka City, Okayama Prefecture, in 2013.
I enjoyed making glass in Yunogo, but Kurashiki has the Ohara Museum of Art in the Bikan Historical Area, and a thriving folk craft scene. I moved my studio to Kurashiki because I wanted to share the appeal of glass with visitors from many different countries and regions.
What changed after you moved from Yunogo to Kurashiki?
Eda
As I expected, we started welcoming all kinds of visitors interested in art.
We also created collaborative products with the Ohara Museum of Art and Usagiya. These were made possible because we came to Kurashiki.
What has made you happy about running the shop?
Eda
People find it interesting that the studio and shop are combined. For me, being able to see customers enjoying themselves is rewarding, too.
We also have customers who have bought glass pens at other shops. It makes me happy when they tell us, “aun’s glass pens are so easy to write with!”
We want to create “glass pens suited to the user’s lifestyle”
What do you value when making glass pens?
Eda
There are three main things I value: “ease of writing, changes in the glass’s color, and ease of holding.”
Above all, I try to make glass pens suited to the user’s lifestyle.
People have different hand sizes, preferred grips, and ways of holding a pen. Because I make each pen by hand in my studio rather than selling mass-produced items, I can tailor its thickness to each person.
Also, each piece of glass made using burner work has a different color, and I want people to enjoy those differences, too. I hope you’ll visit and choose your favorite pen with your own eyes.
Why do you let in one group at a time?
Eda
It started as a measure to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Once we began letting in one group at a time, I was able to explain the glass pens thoroughly to the customers visiting at that time. It gave them time to take a good look at the pens, and I realized this style suited our shop.
As I mentioned earlier, I want to make glass pens suited to the user’s lifestyle. Being able to talk with customers at length is why we still let in one group at a time.
See and hold them for yourself to find your favorite pen
What kind of experience would you like people to have through Glass Studio aun’s glass pens?
Eda
I want people to enjoy writing.
At first glance, glass pens can look fragile, and some people may hesitate to touch them. But since we welcome one group at a time, a staff member is always nearby. So please feel free to pick one up and try writing with it. I’d be happy if you tried one and enjoyed the distinctive feel of writing with a glass pen.
What are your plans for the future?
Eda
Recently, more people overseas have become interested in glass pens. Our studio sometimes travels abroad, too. I want to help introduce glass pens to the world from Kurashiki.
Personally, I’d also like to expand my range of work as a glass artisan. I’m currently interested in creating pieces using kiriko cut-glass techniques and gemstone-polishing techniques.
Finally, do you have a message for our readers?
Eda
If you’re even a little interested in glass pens, please feel free to visit our shop. I hope you’ll pick up a glass pen and try writing with it.
From the Writer
I love stationery, so whenever I visited stationery stores or ink shops, I would gaze admiringly at the glass pens displayed in glass cases. But I was too nervous to touch the delicate glass pens, so I only looked at them.
At Glass Studio aun, however, you can pick up any glass pen that catches your eye and even try writing with it. Since only one group is admitted at a time, the staff are there to help, so I felt comfortable handling the pens and enjoying how they felt to write with and how the light shone through them.
Especially in this day and age, with tablets and computers offering more and more features, the time spent writing one character at a time with a favorite pen can feel precious.
From asking yourself, “When in my daily life would I enjoy using a glass pen?” to choosing one that fits your hand, why not experience Glass Studio aun for yourself?
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 |
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| Website | Eda Akihiro Glass Works |
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