Matsuura Blast
Katsutoshi Matsuura was born in 1944 into a family of wooden mold craftsmen. Since his older brother had already taken over their father’s work, Matsuura felt uncertain about his own future after finishing school and spent some time without pursuing employment.
The turning point came when he visited a client’s glass factory. The company president encouraged him, saying, “You have a strong voice, so you’d be suited for sandblasting.” At the time, sandblasting was still a rare profession, and Matsuura was intrigued.
Although he didn’t fully understand why, he felt a sense of fulfillment in being needed and decided to take the leap, thinking, “If I can stand on my own, why not?”
The sandblasting workshop, where sand is blasted onto glass to carve it, was filled with noise, yet Matsuura’s strong, resonant voice carried clearly even through the clamor—a trait that still stands out to this day.
While sandblasting is often discussed alongside Edo Kiriko as a form of glass craft, Katsutoshi Matsuura describes its appeal as the “subtle texture of frosted glass.” Unlike Edo Kiriko, which emphasizes brilliance and sparkle, sandblasting draws out the intrinsic texture and depth of the material itself.
Moreover, sandblasting is not limited to glass—it can be applied to wood, metal, plastic, and other materials, bridging the boundary between traditional craft and industrial applications.
Matsuura established his own techniques in an environment free from the constraints of masters or preexisting molds, refining his skills through trial and error. By innovating with masking materials, refining processes, and introducing new methods such as silk-screening, he has achieved a balance between mass production and luxury.
His dedication lies not merely in preserving tradition but in combining diverse techniques to create new expressions—a commitment that defines his sandblasting work and fuels his artistry.
Sandblasting is a technique in which sand or abrasive materials are blasted at high pressure onto a surface, carving or creating patterns in the material.
In the field of glass craft, sandblasting produces a refined texture known as “nashiji”—a subtle, matte finish that softly diffuses light. This creates a sense of depth within the transparency of the glass and gives it a gentle, tactile quality.
While Edo Kiriko is admired for the brilliance of its cut facets and sharp reflections of light, sandblasting offers a quiet, elegant aesthetic that emphasizes texture and nuance.
By using stencils or resist materials, artisans can freely express patterns and designs, ranging from delicate lines to bold motifs. Many stages of the process are performed by hand, allowing the skill and intuition of the craftsman to significantly influence the final result.
Sandblasting is widely appreciated for both functional items and fine art objects, and it adapts beautifully to contemporary designs while maintaining its traditional charm.
This cherry blossom-patterned glass has a beautiful contrast between lapis lazuli and white.
Matsuura Blast
Katsutoshi Matsuura was born in 1944 into a family of wooden mold craftsmen. Since his older brother had already taken over their father’s work, Matsuura felt uncertain about his own future after finishing school and spent some time without pursuing employment.
The turning point came when he visited a client’s glass factory. The company president encouraged him, saying, “You have a strong voice, so you’d be suited for sandblasting.” At the time, sandblasting was still a rare profession, and Matsuura was intrigued.
Although he didn’t fully understand why, he felt a sense of fulfillment in being needed and decided to take the leap, thinking, “If I can stand on my own, why not?”
The sandblasting workshop, where sand is blasted onto glass to carve it, was filled with noise, yet Matsuura’s strong, resonant voice carried clearly even through the clamor—a trait that still stands out to this day.
While sandblasting is often discussed alongside Edo Kiriko as a form of glass craft, Katsutoshi Matsuura describes its appeal as the “subtle texture of frosted glass.” Unlike Edo Kiriko, which emphasizes brilliance and sparkle, sandblasting draws out the intrinsic texture and depth of the material itself.
Moreover, sandblasting is not limited to glass—it can be applied to wood, metal, plastic, and other materials, bridging the boundary between traditional craft and industrial applications.
Matsuura established his own techniques in an environment free from the constraints of masters or preexisting molds, refining his skills through trial and error. By innovating with masking materials, refining processes, and introducing new methods such as silk-screening, he has achieved a balance between mass production and luxury.
His dedication lies not merely in preserving tradition but in combining diverse techniques to create new expressions—a commitment that defines his sandblasting work and fuels his artistry.
Sandblasting is a technique in which sand or abrasive materials are blasted at high pressure onto a surface, carving or creating patterns in the material.
In the field of glass craft, sandblasting produces a refined texture known as “nashiji”—a subtle, matte finish that softly diffuses light. This creates a sense of depth within the transparency of the glass and gives it a gentle, tactile quality.
While Edo Kiriko is admired for the brilliance of its cut facets and sharp reflections of light, sandblasting offers a quiet, elegant aesthetic that emphasizes texture and nuance.
By using stencils or resist materials, artisans can freely express patterns and designs, ranging from delicate lines to bold motifs. Many stages of the process are performed by hand, allowing the skill and intuition of the craftsman to significantly influence the final result.
Sandblasting is widely appreciated for both functional items and fine art objects, and it adapts beautifully to contemporary designs while maintaining its traditional charm.
