Interior designer Masuko Unayama, the founder of Tokyo lifestyle and household goods store SyuRo, is well-known for blending culture, art and tradition to create original objects that appeal to all five senses. Her philosophy is reflected in this unique SyuRo glassware.
This project began as a collaboration between Ms Unayama and Mr Saito, executive director at Shotoku Glass, a company renowned for its usuhari glasses.
Shotoku Glass originally started as a light bulb maker in Tokyo in 1922, and now applies the same craftsmanship in the manufacture of ultra-thin glassware, admired for its functionality and delicate strength. The technique that Shotoku Glass uses to craft SyuRo’s glassware is known as mould blowing – in other words, by blowing air into molten glass and using metal moulds to create products of the same shape.
Ms Unayama is inspired by ordinary items crafted with an unexpected combination of materials. “When I want to make something original, I discuss it with a craftsman who knows the material I want to use,” she says. A case in point is this simple, beautifully designed glassware originally created for the Intersect by Lexus stores.
The Lexus glasses are exquisite, warm and designed for everyday use, with a thinness that makes drinking from them a pleasure. This pragmatism is echoed by the developers who assert, “We want our creations to add quality to life.”
In keeping with SyuRo’s motto, ‘explore the old to understand the new,’ these beautiful, functional glasses will add a traditional yet modern aesthetic to any household.
Crafted for Lexus is an exclusive curation of contemporary lifestyle products available at Intersect stores and other Lexus outlets worldwide. The items are produced in collaboration with traditional artisans and emerging designers, with the expressed aim of delivering fresh interpretations on classic products, in harmony with the Lexus spirit of craftsmanship.
Read more: Crafted for Lexus – solar power torch
Read more: Crafted for Lexus – L’aniline leather handbag
Read more: Crafted for Lexus – soft shawls
Read more: Crafted for Lexus – stacking plate set
Read more: Crafted for Lexus – drawing pads and memo blocks
Read more: Crafted for Lexus – luxury leather goods
Read more: Crafted for Lexus – LED desk light
Read more: Crafted for Lexus – handcrafted key tray
Read more: Crafted for Lexus – handmade sunglasses
Read more: Crafted for Lexus – leather pen case
Read more: Crafted for Lexus – scent diffuser
Read more: Crafted for Lexus – Inaho interior lighting
Read more: Crafted for Lexus – spindle tray
Read more: Crafted for Lexus – Kiriko glasses
Read more: Crafted for Lexus – tote bags
Read more: Crafted for Lexus – leather bow tie
Read more: Crafted for Lexus – world clock
Read more: Crafted for Lexus – coffee set
Read more: Crafted for Lexus – R&D.M.CO wool blankets
Look out for the next post in our examination of the Crafted for Lexus collection, which will focus on Yuica room spray.
