About Us
Experience our collection in person: Tradition meets modern living.
ClayWhispers: The Soul of Japanese Craftsmanship
Welcome to ClayWhispers. We are a bridge connecting the centuries-old kilns and workshops of Japan to your home. Our mission is to preserve the spirit of Monozukuri (the art of making things) and bring you objects that possess a soul, a story, and an undeniable beauty.
In a world of mass production, we believe in the quiet power of handmade objects—pieces that carry the warmth of human hands, the patience of countless hours, and the wisdom passed down through generations. Each item in our collection is not merely a product; it is a conversation between past and present, between maker and owner.
Our Story: A Journey of Discovery
ClayWhispers was born from a single moment of wonder. In 2018, our founder visited a small Edo Kiriko workshop tucked away in Tokyo's Sumida district. Watching the master craftsman transform plain glass into a symphony of light and shadow, he realized that such treasures deserved a wider audience—people who appreciate beauty, history, and the irreplaceable value of human craftsmanship.
The name "ClayWhispers" reflects our belief that every handcrafted object speaks softly to those who listen. Whether it's the gentle curve of a sake cup or the precise geometry of cut glass, each piece whispers stories of dedication, tradition, and the pursuit of perfection.
Today, we work directly with established artisan workshops across Japan—from the glass-cutting studios of Tokyo to the ceramic kilns of Arita, from the historic blade-making centers of Seki to the lacquerware ateliers of Wajima. These partnerships, built on mutual respect and shared values, allow us to bring you authentic pieces at fair prices while ensuring that these precious traditions continue to thrive.
Every product we offer has been carefully selected and verified for quality. We visit each workshop personally, understand their processes, and build long-term relationships that benefit both the artisans and our customers.
Echoes of the past: A traditional Edo Kiriko storefront where time-honored techniques continue to flourish.
The Crown Jewel: Edo Kiriko
At the very heart of ClayWhispers lies our signature Edo Kiriko Whisky Glass collection. Born in the Edo period (1834), this traditional Japanese craft transforms glass into a canvas of light. The art was pioneered by Kyubei Kagaya, a visionary glassmaker who applied the techniques of European cut glass to Japanese sensibilities, creating something entirely new and profoundly beautiful.
Our Edo Kiriko glasses are not just drinkware; they are masterpieces featuring deep, hand-cut patterns and stunning emerald fluorite hues. They represent the pinnacle of our brand—designed for those who believe that savoring a fine spirit deserves an equally exquisite vessel.
The Craft Behind the Beauty
Creating a single Edo Kiriko glass requires extraordinary skill and patience. The process involves multiple stages:
1. Pattern Design (Ezuke): The artisan carefully marks the intricate pattern onto the glass surface using a special ink.
2. Rough Cutting (Arazuri): Using diamond-tipped wheels, the craftsman begins carving the initial grooves that will define the pattern.
3. Fine Cutting (Sanzu-gake): Multiple passes with increasingly fine wheels deepen and refine each cut to precise specifications.
4. Polishing (Migaki): The final stage brings the cuts to a brilliant clarity, allowing light to dance through the glass.
A skilled craftsman may spend 8-12 hours on a single piece, and it takes over 10 years of dedicated practice to achieve the level of mastery required for fine Edo Kiriko work.
Signature Patterns
Each pattern in traditional Edo Kiriko carries deep cultural meaning:
Nanako (Fish Roe): Symbolizes prosperity and abundance, with its countless small cuts representing infinite blessings.
Kikko (Tortoiseshell): Represents longevity and good fortune, derived from the belief that tortoises live for thousands of years.
Yarai (Bamboo Fence): Signifies protection and resilience, reflecting bamboo's strength and flexibility.
Kagome (Woven Bamboo): An ancient pattern believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck to the home.
The Heritage of Japanese Craftsmanship
Japan's artisan traditions span centuries, with many crafts recognized as national cultural treasures. The country's dedication to mastery—known as Shokunin spirit—represents a philosophy where craftspeople devote their entire lives to perfecting a single skill.
This tradition is evident across Japan's renowned craft regions:
Tokyo's Sumida District: The historic heart of Edo Kiriko glass cutting, where workshops have operated since the 1830s. This area remains the center of traditional Japanese cut glass production.
Arita, Saga Prefecture: The birthplace of Japanese porcelain, producing fine ceramics since 1616. Arita ware is celebrated worldwide for its delicate beauty and durability.
Seki, Gifu Prefecture: Known as Japan's "City of Blades," Seki has a 700-year history of sword and knife making, combining ancient techniques with modern metallurgy.
Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture: Famous for its lacquerware tradition spanning over 600 years, featuring up to 124 steps in the production process.
We source our products from established workshops in these historic regions, ensuring every piece carries the authentic character of its origin. Each workshop we partner with maintains traditional techniques while meeting contemporary quality standards.
The Art of Japanese Living
Beyond our signature glassware, we have curated a balanced selection of Japanese essentials designed to elevate every aspect of your daily life. Each category represents a different facet of Japanese aesthetic philosophy.
🍶 Sake Sets & Decanters
Honor the serene ritual of drinking. Our handcrafted sake vessels and crystal decanters are designed to enhance the aroma and temperature of your beverages.
Featured: Tokkuri (sake bottles) in traditional Bizen ware, paired with matching ochoko cups that fit perfectly in your palm.
🔪 Japanese Kitchen Knives
Experience the precision of the Japanese kitchen. Our knives combine sharpness with balance, serving as reliable tools for culinary creation.
From versatile Santoku to specialized Yanagiba for sashimi, each blade is forged using traditional Hagane steel techniques.
🥢 Artisan Dining
(Plates & Chopsticks) We believe the tools you eat with are as important as the food itself. Our collection brings grace and harmony to your table.
Discover hand-painted Kutani ware plates and premium Wakasa-nuri lacquered chopsticks, each piece a small work of art.
☕ Daily Vessels
(Coffee, Tea & Cola Cups) From your morning brew to a refreshing cold drink, our range of artisan mugs brings a touch of warmth to your everyday rituals.
Including double-walled glass cups for hot beverages and rustic Shigaraki pottery mugs with their distinctive earthy glazes.
Our Philosophy: Harmony & Quality
Whether it is a heavy whisky glass or a delicate pair of chopsticks, every item at ClayWhispers shares a common DNA: authentic materials and Japanese design philosophy. We strive to bring Wa (Harmony) into your home through objects that are as functional as they are beautiful.
Our curation process is guided by four principles rooted in Japanese aesthetics:
Wabi-Sabi (侘寂): Finding beauty in imperfection. We embrace the subtle variations that make each handcrafted piece unique—the slight asymmetry of a thrown bowl, the organic flow of hand-cut patterns.
Kanso (簡素): Simplicity and elimination of clutter. Our pieces feature clean lines and purposeful design, free from unnecessary ornamentation.
Shizen (自然): Naturalness. We favor materials and techniques that honor their origins—wood that reveals its grain, clay that shows its texture, glass that plays with light.
Seijaku (静寂): Tranquility. Each piece is designed to bring a sense of calm and mindfulness to your daily routines.
Our Quality Standards
Every product at ClayWhispers undergoes a rigorous selection process before reaching our collection:
Origin Verification: We trace each product to its source workshop and verify the authenticity of traditional techniques used in production.
Material Inspection: All materials are examined for quality, safety, and durability. Glassware is checked for clarity and structural integrity; knives are tested for edge retention and balance.
Craftsmanship Review: Each piece is inspected for consistency in pattern work, finish quality, and overall aesthetic harmony.
Functional Testing: Products are tested for their intended use—glasses for temperature resistance, knives for cutting performance, ceramics for food safety compliance.
We believe transparency builds trust. If you have questions about any product's origin or manufacturing process, our customer service team is happy to provide detailed information.
Our Commitment to You
Premium Packaging
Every item arrives in a traditional Japanese gift box, ready to treasure or present to someone special.
Authenticity Guaranteed
Each piece comes with product documentation including information about its craft tradition and region of origin.
Worldwide Shipping
Carefully packed and insured shipping to over 50 countries, bringing Japan's finest to your doorstep.
Supporting Tradition
Fair partnerships with workshops help sustain traditional crafts for future generations.
Caring for Your Treasures
Japanese craftsmanship is built to last generations when properly cared for. Here are some essential tips:
Hand wash with mild soap. Avoid extreme temperature changes. Store upright to protect the delicate cuts.
Hand wash and dry immediately. Use a wooden cutting board. Sharpen regularly with a whetstone.
Many pieces are dishwasher safe, but hand washing preserves glazes longer. Avoid stacking without protection.
Company & Contact Information
- Email: support@claywhispers.com
- Physical Address: 7 Copperfield Rd, Coventry CV2 4AQ, United Kingdom
-
Business Hours: Monday - Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM (GMT)
(Sunday: Closed) - Response Time: We aim to respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.
"In every object, there is a story waiting to be told.
In every home, there is a place for beauty."
— The ClayWhispers Philosophy
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.