Handcrafted tea glass: Pair, 100ml (3.38fl oz) each, diameter: 2.95inches (7.5cm), height: 2.17inches (5.5cm)
Sophisticated Heat Resistant Glass
Made by NOTOJIMA Glass Studio

This SHICHIHENGE tea glass is colored yet transparent. The unique pattern of color emerges when the hot glass is rapidly cooled. This heat-resistant tea glass is thin and lightweight with an incomparable elegance and gracefulness. The high-level skills of passionate artisans are required to create such high-quality handmade glass.

SHICHI means seven and HENGE means change. So this tea glass is meant to change appearance at a dizzying pace. Pick up this glass and you will understand its meaning. Depending on the reflection of light and the angle from which you look at it, you can see different shades of color. This is created by making the surface uneven during the manufacturing process, which is similar in appearance to the SOGI technique in ceramics where the artisan scrapes away the clay to create an uneven surface. Yet, this glass has a mysterious charm not found in ceramics.

The entire cup has a light golden transparency, and the mouth of the cup is pearl white, giving the cup an overall elegant appearance. This tint is caused by heating the glass, shaping it in a mold, and then reheating it. The area near the flame is translucent pearl white due to the high temperature and gradually becomes transparent toward the cooler areas.

The entire process is done by hand, and each piece is slightly different, creating a special feeling.

This SHICHIHENGE tea glass is ideal for hot or iced tea. You can pour boiling water into this heat-resistant glass or heat it in a microwave oven, yet it is thin, surprisingly light, delicate and elegant. This is proof of high-quality handmade glass, supported by the sophisticated skill of the artisan.

The studio where this glass is made is located at NOTOJIMA, the base of a peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, near the center of Japan. It is a quiet island surrounded by the sea on all sides with a circumference of 72 km (44.7 miles) and rich in nature. The studio accepts aspiring artisans who want to learn glassmaking techniques as well as processing, and trains glass artists who are active in various parts of Japan.

Made by passionate artisans in a rich natural setting, this glass is sure to attract you.

Made in Japan. (Please note that each piece is a little different because of the features of this work. Air bubbles are part of the glassmaking process.)