Keep it long, treasure it long.

Retro-style pressed glass

Springtime brings the delicate flutter of white plum blossoms, reminiscent of softly falling snowflakes. In Japan, there has long been a sensibility that finds beauty in the arrangement of small particles. The Arare Small Plate and Bowl Set embodies this design, inspired by the pattern known as "Arare." Adorned with a motif that evokes the plum blossom at its center, it radiates a gentle charm akin to the scattered blooms of white plum trees.

The History of Glassmaking Embedded in the Arrangement of Particles

The Arare pattern consists of small particles arranged in a regular formation. Historically, it was used in items such as iron kettles, showcasing beauty through the simple arrangement of unembellished particles, harmonizing with everyday Japanese life. However, expressing this pattern in glass was not an easy task. Initially, imported pressed glass from overseas included lamps and pitchers featuring arranged particles, all supported by advanced craftsmanship. As the techniques of pressed glass developed in Europe were introduced to Japan, various patterns began to be engraved from the Meiji to Taisho periods, steadily refining domestic craftsmanship.

Pressed glass, being more durable than blown glass and allowing for clear depiction of engraved patterns, was also suitable for mass production. Consequently, it became widely created as items reflecting the lifestyle and social conditions of the time. Although pressed glass was initially adopted as a Western cultural element, through the refinement of techniques, a uniquely Japanese aesthetic began to emerge in pressed glass.

Add a Touch of Coolness and Elegance to Your Dining Table

This Arare Small Plate and Bowl Set is a reimagined piece of Japanese-made pressed glass, tailored for contemporary living. The set includes a small bowl and a small plate, with the bowl perfect for serving desserts like Anmitsu or Shiratama, as well as side dishes such as vinegared vegetables, boiled greens, or salads. The colors of the dishes, visible through the translucent glass, are sure to appear more vibrant than ever.

The accompanying small plate, about 5 inches in size, is versatile enough to be used as a dessert plate or a small serving dish at the dining table. Available in three colors—white reminiscent of snowflakes and white plum blossoms, a calming ancient hue, and a peach color evoking plum, peach, and cherry blossoms—adding just one piece can instantly refresh and elevate the atmosphere of your table setting.

Preserving Artisan Craftsmanship: Tokyo's Oldest Glass Manufacturer

Hirota Glass began in 1899 with the establishment of Hirota Kinta Shoten, a wholesale glassware business in Sumida, Tokyo. The fusion of European glass manufacturing with Japanese aesthetic sensibilities led to the flourishing of unique glass crafts during the Meiji and Taisho periods. Although the factory was completely destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake, it was rebuilt, and the second generation led the Tokyo Glass Products Cooperative Association, driving the glass industry in Tokyo. Even as mass production by machines became mainstream after the war, Hirota Glass remained committed to preserving artisan craftsmanship.

A significant turning point came in the 1980s when the third generation recognized the impending disappearance of the milk glass "aburidashi" technique that had once captivated the Taisho era. This technique, which uses bone ash as a raw material to create patterns through rapid temperature changes, had become nearly extinct, only seen in antique shops. After much trial and error, the "Taisho Romance Glass Series" was born. Today, the fourth generation continues the philosophy of creating unique products that can only be found in Sumida, Tokyo, and in 2017, they opened the Sumida Japanese Glass Museum. With numerous awards and collaborations, including providing cocktail glasses to luxury hotels, they have solidified their reputation as an artisan brand.