About Saburo

Saburo's Works

Saburo lived in Germany for about three years in his twenties. After returning to Japan, Saburo decided to pursue a career as an artist and, seeking possibilities in glass expression, studied from scratch at the "Toyama Institute of Glass Art."

"I'm from near Lake Biwa, but I didn't go to Germany with any particular reason in mind; it just happened that a neighbor invited me, saying she 'had connections in England or Germany' (laughs). I initially lived in Heidelberg, known as Germany's warmest city. Later, I moved to Rüdesheim am Rhein, famous for winemaking, and sold wine on a boat heading to Loreley. Around that time, I decided it was a good opportunity to sightsee in Germany, and the 'Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church' in Berlin was what I visited. I was captivated by the beauty of its deep blue stained glass, and after returning to Japan, I began studying to become a glass artist."

About Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture

Saburo has a studio and glass art classroom on the shores of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, which boasts the largest area and water storage capacity in Japan. Lake Biwa is one of the ancient lakes formed approximately 400,000 years ago, and its abundant water supply is known as the "Kinki region's water reservoir," having been used as a vital water resource through Kyoto to Osaka. Takashima City, home to the Ado River and the "Shirage Shrine," which is selected as a Japan Cultural Heritage, produces about one-third of the water flowing into Lake Biwa. While Hamana Lake, distant from the capital of Kyoto, was called "Tōtōmi" (far away sea), Lake Biwa was affectionately called "Chikatsu-Ōmi" (nearby sea) and later "Ōmi" by people in ancient times. With major routes like the Nishino-Ōmi Road running along the foothills of Mount Hiei and Mount Hira, and the Wakasa Road known as the "Saba Kaidō" (Mackerel Road), the area has a history of bustling port and post towns where many people and goods traversed. It is one of Japan's leading scenic spots that has cultivated a rich culture, with its picturesque qualities known nationwide through motifs in literature and themes in ukiyo-e, such as the "Eight Views of Ōmi."

About Kilnwork and Hot Work

Saburo's main technique is called "kilnwork." This method involves firing glass in an electric kiln. First, a flat glass plate with designs and patterns is shaped, and then it is refired to fit the mold of a dish or vessel. While this technique is labor-intensive, its advantage lies in combining intricate expressions, like those in a painting, with the reproducibility and aesthetic beauty of three-dimensional forms.
Recently, he has also been challenging himself with hot work (glassblowing) to create tall pieces. This technique involves shaping glass by rotating it as it naturally rises due to gravity, allowing for the free creation of vases and glasses, not just pieces formed by molds. While this has expanded his range of expression, he comments, "It's like sports, requiring daily practice and training. It's tough to take on new challenges when you're older (laughs)," as he burns with renewed creative passion.

From Saburo

When I first started creating glass art, I only made black and white vessels. However, a senior glass artist told me, "If you create after learning various colors, your black and white works will also change!" This prompted me to embark on a journey of color discovery. The art of glass itself originated with the "studio glass" movement, which began in the 1960s. Therefore, I believe there is still untapped potential because techniques and materials are still relatively immature. Furthermore, glass changes hardness with temperature. Within this, various techniques exist, giving rise to diverse expressions. From "transparent/opaque" to "cold/warm" and "hard/gentle," there is no other material that offers such a rich array of expressions. I am fascinated by the myriad possibilities of glass. My works, which have yet to return to black and white, are still on a journey, I believe. I will continue to prioritize compatibility with food and focus on techniques in my creations, so rather than just decorating, I hope people will use them abundantly. And I would be delighted if they could make "meal times" even a little more enjoyable. / Saburo