Traditional crafts

Tsugaru Biidoro – The miraculous Tsugaru Green created from a handful of sand [Aomori Prefecture]

  • Naka Naka
  • Last updated:

a glass craft from Aomori Prefecture"Tsugaru Vidro,"Are you familiar with

It is the prefecture's first designated traditional craft, and in August 2022, it was featured on the Nippon Television program "Hitomete Wakaru!!" as a favorite item of Aomori-born idol Orin for 10 years.

This time, we will introduce the characteristics and history of Tsugaru Vidro.

What is Tsugaru Vidro?

Tsugaru Glass is a glass craft manufactured and sold by Hokuyo Glass Co., Ltd. in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture

The products, created with sophisticated design and high technical skill, have a beauty that stirs the deepest sensibilities of those who see them

Characteristics of Tsugaru Vidro

The four seasons of Aomori expressed using colored glass

The most distinctive feature of Tsugaru Vidro is its beautiful colors. Using over 100 types of colored glass developed in-house, the company expresses the ever-changing scenery of Aomori throughout the seasons.

While Tsugaru Vidro is well known for its colorful patterns, these patterns are not painted on, but rather created by applying individual pieces of colored glass.

A wide range of products created using the highly skilled craftsmen and diverse techniques

Tsugaru Biidoro offers a wide range of products, from breathtakingly beautiful crafts to everyday items that are easy to incorporate into your lifestyle

Hokuyo Glass has been involved in glass crafts for many years, and by utilizing a wide variety of techniques, it is possible to develop products that suit every scene in life, from affordable everyday items to luxurious items that make perfect gifts for special occasions

"Spin molding" is a technique that makes mass production possible

These tumblers, perfect as souvenirs or for everyday use, are made using a technique called "spin molding." This method involves pouring molten glass at a high temperature of 1500°C into a rapidly rotating mold to create the shape.

The pouring of glass into the mold and the application of patterns are done by hand, one by one, relying on the years of experience and intuition of skilled craftsmen.

"Chu-buki" technique that shows off the craftsman's skill

Among the various manufacturing methods, the traditional "free-blowing" method requires particularly high skill

This technique involves blowing air into a pole and shaping it while it spins in the air, a method that requires many years of experience to master.

Products brought to life through this free-blowing technique are truly works of art, possessing a beauty and grandeur that reflects the craftsman's exquisite sense.

The history of Tsugaru Vidro

Hokuyo Glass, the creator of Tsugaru Vidro, was founded as a company that manufactured and sold fishing floats, and by 1973 had the top market share in the industry

However, with the rise of plastic floats, demand for glass products plummeted, so they changed with the times and began manufacturing tableware and vases

A miracle born from a handful of sand

Tsugaru Vidro began selling in 1977, 28 years after the company was founded

The beautiful, deep hues unique to Tsugaru Vidro glass were born from"a handful of sand.

One day, a craftsman working on developing colored glass was taking a walk along the local Shichirigahama beach. He happened to notice some sand on the shore and added a handful to the raw material, and the colorless, transparent glass transformed into a deep green.

This color"Tsugaru Green."was named

Introducing recommended series

"Nebuta" series

This is a popular series based on the Nebuta Festival, one of the three major festivals in the Tohoku region

The explosive energy and vividness of the festival are expressed in colorful ways, and just looking at them makes you feel happy

"Apple" series

Aomori is synonymous with apples, and the apple series is characterized by its cute, everyday design

The chopstick rests, in particular, have a charming, rounded shape that perfectly matches the design, and they're reasonably priced.
They make a great souvenir from Aomori.

"Sakura Sakura" series

The Sakura Sakura series has captured the hearts of many women

This is my favorite free cup at home, "Cherry Blossoms and Rapeseed Flowers."
It's as if the gentle spring scenery of Aomori has been captured right into the glass.
Holding the slightly thick glass in my hand gives me a comforting sense of peace.

Conclusion

Tsugaru Vidro expresses the rich natural scenery of Aomori in glass. When you visit Aomori, be sure to see its beauty with your own eyes. It

is sold at Kitayo Glass's directly managed store in Aomori City, as well as at souvenir shops and craft stores throughout Aomori Prefecture, and can also be purchased online.
Factory tours are also available, so why not visit during your Aomori sightseeing trip?

Hokuyo Glass <Information>

  • Name: Hokuyo Glass Co., Ltd
  • Address: 4-29-13 Tomita, Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture, 038-0004
  • Phone number: 017-782-5183
  • Official URL:https://tsugaruvidro.jp/

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