Do you know "IGUSA GLASS - いぐさガラス -"?
It is glass made by burning the raw material of tatami mats, "igusa," turning it into ash, and melting it to create color.
I visited a glass workshop in Kurashiki City that produces "IGUSA GLASS" and spoke with the artist, Minakuchi Tomoki.
Encounter with IGUSA GLASS
The first time I encountered IGUSA GLASS was at the Ohara House Katalyzer (former Ohara family residence).
At the book café in Ohara House Katalyzer, the water was served in a beautiful green glass.
I learned that it was "IGUSA GLASS" made using ash from Kurashiki-produced "igusa," and I became interested.
The southern part of Okayama Prefecture was once a major production area for igusa and is considered the oldest production area in the country. According to reports, igusa has been cultivated in Kurashiki for as long as 1800 years.
How did IGUSA GLASS come to be, and what thoughts went into its creation?
I visited the glassblowing workshop "Gurasta TOMO" located in the Mizushima area of Kurashiki City, where IGUSA GLASS is made.
Glassblowing Workshop "Gurasta TOMO" and Glass Artist Minakuchi Tomoki
On the day of the interview, the temperature was about 30 degrees, and the workshop was hotter than outside due to the blazing furnace constantly operating. However, elementary school students visiting for a workplace tour were watching the glass-making process with great interest.
Gurasta TOMO is operated by Minakuchi Tomoki.
Minakuchi is originally from Ehime. While attending an art high school, he became fascinated by three-dimensional objects and encountered a glass artist's exhibition at a gallery through an acquaintance, which sparked his interest in glass.
After that, he participated in glassblowing experiences and visited glass workshops several times to learn more about glass.
In 2000, he enrolled at Kurashiki University of Science and the Arts to study glass. There, he met his mentor in Kurashiki.
While working at his mentor's workshop, his mentor passed away suddenly in 2005, and due to the wishes of his mentor's family, he took over the operation of the workshop. He mentioned that he was in a precarious situation, not knowing anything about procurement.
In 2007, Minakuchi established the workshop "Gurasta TOMO" and is currently producing various blown glass items.
His works have also been featured in various media.
Minakuchi's Glass Works
Minakuchi's works exude a cool and sharp beauty.
The piece he named "Silver Melting Change" features silver patterns floating in black, resembling a galaxy!
Changing the angle of view alters the colors and atmosphere, creating an enchanting allure.
These are pieces you want to hold and admire closely.
In addition to "Silver Melting Change," he creates various works such as objects, vessels, and candle holders.
As of October 2022, Minakuchi's works can be purchased at the following locations in Kurashiki City.
- Gurasta TOMO
- Aivy Workshop
- Ohara House Katalyzer
- kobacoffee
They are also sold outside Kurashiki City, and you can purchase them at exhibition venues or request custom creations directly.
When purchasing directly at Gurasta TOMO, you can also use PayPay.
IGUSA GLASS
The Process of Creating IGUSA GLASS
IGUSA GLASS began with the encounter between Minakuchi and his contemporary, IGUSA LABO's Imayoshi Toshifumi.
"IGUSA LABO" is the only place in Kurashiki that handles everything from the cultivation of igusa to the production of igusa products.
Let me roughly explain the process of making it.
- Dry the igusa that has been naturally dyed with mud.
- Burn the dried igusa in a special kiln to turn it into ash.
- Refine the ash and mix it with glass powder.
- When melted, it turns a beautiful green color due to a chemical reaction.
While it may seem simple when written down, there were numerous trials and errors before they could produce it consistently.
I will introduce the episodes from the development process in the latter part of the article.
Features and Lineup of IGUSA GLASS
As of October 2022, the lineup includes glasses such as guinomi (sake cups), ohire glass (cold glasses), rock glasses, tumblers, beer glasses, and plates.
The sizes and prices of the glasses are as follows.
| Shape | Size | Price (excluding tax) |
|---|---|---|
| Guinomi | Diameter 50 millimeters × Height 70 millimeters | 3,000 yen |
| Ohire glass | Diameter 50 millimeters × Height 80 millimeters | 3,000 yen |
| Rock glass | Diameter 85 millimeters × Height 105 millimeters | 4,500 yen |
| Long glass | Diameter 50 millimeters × Height 105 millimeters | 3,500 yen |
| Tumbler | Diameter 70 millimeters × Height 115 millimeters | 3,500 yen |
| Beer glass | Diameter 76 millimeters × Height 135 millimeters | 4,000 yen |
The simple and stylish shapes enhance the texture and beauty of the glass.
These glasses are easy to use in everyday life for people of all ages.
Next, we spoke with Mizuguchi Tomoki about his work and the past and future of "IGUSA GLASS."
Gurasta TOMO Data
| Name | Gurasta TOMO |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-13-33 Hiroe, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 080-1945-6046 |
| Parking | Available Advance notice required |
| Business Hours | 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM Phone reception is from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM (There may be times when the phone is not answered due to work or exhibitions) |
| Regular Holidays | Irregular holidays |
| Payment Methods |
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| Website | Blown Glass Studio Gurasta TOMO |
