Asakusa, Tokyo: Cut Your Own Edo Kiriko Glass with an Artisan

Edo Kiriko is cut glass with colour on the outside and clear glass beneath. Every line you cut removes the coloured layer and lets light through, so the pattern only appears as you work. It has been made in this part of Tokyo since the Edo period.

The workshop is in Sumida, a short walk from Tokyo Skytree, in the district where the craft has always been made. You work at the same wheel the artisan uses for his own pieces.

What you'll do:
- Choose your glass colour and the pattern you want to cut
- Learn how the cutting wheel works, and practise on a test piece first
- Cut your design into the glass, guided by the artisan at every step
- Watch the pattern appear as the colour is cut away
- Take your finished glass home the same day

Only four people take part in each session, so the artisan stays beside you throughout, with an English interpreter alongside.
No experience is needed, and you are welcome to photograph the artisan at work inside the studio.