This summer, SuMALL has collaborated with **Sghr, a glass studio** popular for its handmade glass products.
Each glass is handmade by artisans, with a glossy finish
and features sumo icons, making it a unique item available only at SuMALL.
The glass, with cobalt blue layered over amber glass, features a linear fan design,
while the pair of indigo blue and wine red glasses feature yokozuna in the Unryu and Shiranui styles.
This time, we interviewed Yusuke Sugawara of Sghr.
Since the workshop used to be in Sumida Ward,
Sugawara himself often went to watch sumo.
Regarding this collaboration, Sugawara said,
"I thought it was interesting, because sumo, which is a national sport, is designed on glasses made in Japan."
This time, we visited the workshop in Kujukuri, Chiba Prefecture, where these glasses are made.
Artisan skills and experience create the luster
It contains molten glass, and
it is said that in summer, the room temperature can reach nearly 50 degrees Celsius.
One of the features of Sghr products is their warm design.
The artisans themselves, who work with glass every day, design them.
This is unique to Sghr, where artisans of all generations are active.
And this product, "Duo," is a masterpiece of Sghr, featuring two layers of glossy glass.
Its creation requires the skilled technique of artisans.
The technique that brings out the beauty of glass is "mold blowing."
By placing it in a mold splashed with water, a layer of steam forms between the glass and the mold, resulting in a smooth and glossy finish without direct contact with the mold.
It is said that mastering this "mold blowing" technique takes 10 years.
"The viscosity varies depending on the color of the glass and the season, and the weight of molten glass cannot be measured. Artisans create each piece based on their experience and intuition," says Sugawara.
For these glasses, which layer two colors of glass, this "mold blowing" process is performed twice.
If the first layer cools completely, the second layer of glass will crack due to the temperature difference when it is applied, so it must be applied quickly within two minutes.
Therefore, five experienced artisans work quickly to layer the two colors of glass.
Even after the liquid glass transforms into the shape of a glass, its temperature is still 500 degrees Celsius.
It is slowly cooled down to 50 degrees Celsius, a temperature at which it can be touched by hand.
The cut edges are polished to make them even smoother.
It takes nearly 20 artisans to handcraft a product before it reaches your hands.
REWORK
However, even with the skills of artisans, some glasses may not pass as regular products due to air bubbles.
"Glass has viscosity, unlike water, so air bubbles don't completely escape. But I am confident that each piece is made with great care. That's why I can't just say 'it can't be helped'," he says.
With that in mind, they started selling REWORK products.
By adding new value to products that did not pass as regular items due to subtle individual differences in the glass, with sumo-specific motifs.
Sugawara said, "The yokozuna and fans are simple, so the shadows created by the glass products are also one of their charms. I recommend enjoying sake on the rocks, but I think they are also easy for everyday use. I hope you enjoy the beauty of glass."
Add color to the lives of sumo fans with the beauty of glass.
Products available here
【Limited】Sghr REWORK duo Fan – Sumo Wrestler's Shopping Mall SuMALL (sumo.or.jp)
【Limited】Sghr REWORK duo Yokozuna/Pair – Sumo Wrestler's Shopping Mall SuMALL (sumo.or.jp)