A glass of radiating beauty and quiet longevity. the Edo Kiriko Handcrafted Star Chrysanthemum Whisky Glass renders one of Japan's most revered floral motifs — the chrysanthemum. with petals opening like rays of a star — into hand-cut crystal. Available in two amber-toned variants: Blue Amber. evoking the cool clarity of dusk. and Red Amber. holding the warmth of sunset.
Kiku (菊) — The Imperial Chrysanthemum
In Japanese tradition. the chrysanthemum — kiku (菊) — holds a status no other flower matches. Its sixteen-petaled form is the imperial seal of Japan. appearing on the Imperial Throne. on the cover of Japanese passports. and at the heart of the country's highest honor (the National Order of the Chrysanthemum). Beyond imperial usage. the flower signifies longevity. nobility. and the rejuvenation that follows the year's harvest. To carry the chrysanthemum is to carry the wish for a long. distinguished life.
Chōyō no Sekku (重陽の節句) — The Chrysanthemum Festival
Each year on September 9th — the ninth day of the ninth month. considered doubly auspicious in East Asian numerology — Japan celebrates the Chōyō no Sekku (重陽の節句). the Chrysanthemum Festival. Traditional practice includes drinking kiku-zake (菊酒). sake infused with chrysanthemum petals. believed to bestow longevity upon the drinker. This glass carries that lineage forward: a vessel for any spirit served with the wish of long years and continued flourishing.
Two Amber Moods
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Blue Amber — The cool. contemplative tone of late dusk. Suited for solitary evenings. deep conversations. and the slower months. Echoes the rare blue amber of the Dominican Republic. where ancient resin glows softly under shifting light.
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Red Amber — The warm. radiant tone of sunset. autumn leaves. and the heart of celebration. Suited for gatherings. milestones. and unhurried joy. Echoes the rich cherry amber of Sicily. treasured for its depth of glow.
The Kise (被せ) Technique
The saturated color of each variant is achieved through the traditional kise (被せ) overlay technique. A thin layer of tinted crystal is fused over a clear crystal core; the artisan then hand-cuts through the colored layer with carefully judged pressure. revealing flashes of clarity beneath. The interplay of color and light gives the chrysanthemum its signature radiance — petals that seem to catch light from within.
Hand-Cut Through Patient Tradition
Every facet of the chrysanthemum motif is shaped by hand against a spinning wheel through tens of thousands of careful strokes. The dense. multi-directional cutting captures light from every angle. transforming the flower into a kinetic burst of brilliance that shifts with each turn of the glass. The lead-free crystal carries its 300 g weight with grounded refinement — solid in the hand. balanced for unhurried use.
Perfect For
Single Malt Scotch. Bourbon. Japanese whisky. and any aged spirit served neat or on the rocks. A particularly meaningful gift for elders (the chrysanthemum's longevity symbolism is among the strongest in Japanese tradition). 60th / 70th / 77th / 88th birthdays (each a significant longevity milestone in Japanese culture). September 9th celebrations. retirement honoring a long career. or any moment calling for the wish of long flourishing. Also a beloved choice for collectors of floral motifs. lovers of Japanese tradition. and those drawn to amber tones in any form.
Product Specifications
- Craft: Authentic Edo Kiriko Technique
- Material: Hand-Cut Lead-Free Crystal
- Design: Star Chrysanthemum Pattern with Hand-Cut Facets
- Colors Available: Blue Amber / Red Amber
- Technique: Kise (被せ) Color Overlay
- Diameter: 3.2 in / 8 cm
- Height: 3.5 in / 9 cm
- Capacity: 8.8 fl oz / 250 ml
- Weight: 10.6 oz / 300 g
- Packaging: 1× Whisky Glass + 1× Wooden Gift Box
- Care: Hand wash only — no dishwasher. no microwave
* Each glass is handcrafted. Minor variations in dimensions. weight. and pattern are inherent to the artisan process and make every piece unique.
