Japanese Kaleidoscopes

MAIKA

2012-01-31T18:39:00.000-08:00

MAIKA by Non Numajiri is a modern style Japanese kaleidoscope. The tubes are wrapped with hemp thread in two tones, natural and dyed, with a metal band between as an accent.
12 colors are available and each inner images are coordinated with the outer colors.

MAIKA is one of the "Future Tradition WAO" project commissioned by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. This project aims to create a new market for Japanese goods and brands by supporting artists and industry, especially in both new and traditional Japanese craft world.
It invites people in New York and Paris to enjoy Japanese craftsmanship and new art forms. Various items including MAIKA will be exhibited for the buyers and the press as well as for public.

New York: February 10-12 at Capsule Studio, 873 Broadway #204 New York, NY 10003-1235
Paris: March 4 - 6 at Hall des Marèchaux, Les Arts Decoratifs, 107 rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris
* please check the opening hours.

Delicate inner images are produced by handmade glass objects. The tube contains 2 mirrors assembled for reflection to produce 6 petals of a flower in the center. Each glass pieces are made with a burner and combination of delicate colors creates comfortable, healing images.

Non Numajiri is very positive in showing her works both inside and outside of Japan. Some of her works were at the BKS exhibit of the Carnegie Art Center last year. I hope people near these 2 cities will visit the exhibit and enjoy MAIKA as well as other modern Japanese craft.
The items are for sale.

Black lacquered kaleidoscope

2012-01-07T01:37:00.000-08:00

Today I will introduce a kaleidoscope created in a very Japanese fasion.
This is "Cha no Hana" by Fumie Ino. "Cha" means "Tea" and "Hana" means "Flower". Leaves are more important to make various kinds of tea, but its flower is also beautiful.

The black lacquered barrel is called "Japan" and is glossy.
On the lacquered surface, Fumie Ino draw those flowers and leaves in a very traditional way using special lacquer and powdery gold or silver.

Fumie　Ino is a skilled and talented artist in drawing on Japan as well as on China wares and she creates fine tubes for kaleidoscopes.

It is 14cm( 5 1/2") high and the diameter is 4.2cm(1 5/8") at the bottom. It has a turning cell with a wooden ring and translucent background.

The cell includes burner-worked grass pieces as well as cut glass pieces. Different texture of those glass pieces makes the scope's inner images more attractive.

It is one of a kind as each one is drawn by hand and unique in design as well as in inner images.

Monlam

2011-12-29T22:53:00.000-08:00

Ayaka Kobayashi is one of the new generation kaleidoscope artists in Japan. She started her career as an jewelry artist specializing in chasing techniques. Some years ago she was fascinated with a beautiful kaleidoscope and decided to create ones of her own.
You can find some of her kaleidoscopes under the label "Ayaka Kobayashi" in this weblog.

She is also very much interested in Tibetan or Indian culture and visits there often. She is much inspired by nature, culture and people living there. And these Monlam kaleidoscopes are her creation appreciating Tibetan culture. Tibetan word "Monlam" means "prayer" in English. She said that she felt strong power of prayer in Tibetan way of life.

The tubes are made of copper and brass. The relief design of the tubes are Tibetan words meaning Soul, Globe, Water, Fire, Earth,Sun, Full moon,etc. It takes a lot of energy and skill to create these tubes.

This is the one with an opal on the top.

Object cell includes various gem stones, swarovski beads and pearls. which creates sparkling effect on the black background.
The cell is oil filled to produce fluently changing images.

Monlam is very unique and beautiful both in exterior designs and interior images.
In spite of the small size of the body ( 1" diameter, 4 1/2" height), it shows infinite beauty created by mirrors.

Thank you for visiting my kaleidoscope weblog. I hope you enjoy it.
I wish 2012 will be a good and peaceful year for everyone on the earth.

J.A.

Innovative Projection Kaleidoscopes by Yoda

2011-12-25T00:44:00.000-08:00

Mitsuru and Yuriko Yoda is working very hard to create incredibly beautiful images by their innovative projection kaleidoscopes.
This time they had an exhibition at Hamada Children's Museum of Art in Shimane prefecture, Japan from October 15 to November 23, 2011. At the opening and the closing of the exhibition, they projected several kaleidoscopes to the white wall of the museum building.

When the sun set and the whole surroundings are dark without artificial lights, kaleidoscope images were so clearly and colorfully projected on the building wall and it became a fantastic place to enjoy an exterior art all together.

Colorful lights produced by projection kaleidoscopes illuminated both the front garden and people there.
Children were excited to walk, dance and play in the colorful images.

It should be so unusual and unique experience for them.

As these were real kaleidoscopes (not a video), so the images were infinitely changing and overwhelmed the visitors.

Even though they need help of the high-powered projectors to project such large scaled images, it is astonishing as they show very subtle shade and delicate tint of the objects in oil cells. That is Yoda's achievement.

Polarized Symphony

2011-11-29T05:25:00.001-08:00

Tomoo Hosono is known as a kaleidoscope artist who creates beautiful polarized images in his simple stainless tubes. Now he has invented new series called "Space".

Exterior design is his usual style and there seems to be nothing new.

However, you will be surprised to look into each tubes.

As usual, Hosono offers different 2 mirror systems which create 3 - 12 point images. Also there are different 3 mirror systems. The liquid filled cell contains polarizing materials.
I am going to show some examples.
The upper photo and the next one show images of 3 mirror "Mandala" type.

The new series features delicate thin lines with rainbow tint. With this mirror system and his polarizing object cell, the intricate images look so beautiful. The flow of objects creates interesting transition of images.

2 mirror 6 point images are like snowflakes which disappear quickly to change to another new form.

2 mirror 4 point image is like this and I find it also very attractive.

And 3 mirror "Quilt" type shows repetition of 4 point forms.

These images are very unique and I think his polarized "Space" kaleidoscopes are surely an innovative creation. They are contemporary and very cool !

Size: 1 3/8" diameter, 4 5/16" tall.

32mm diameter, 110mm tall

Main material : Stainless steel

Liquid filled cell / Optical lens for eyehole

Retail price in Japan : 15,000 Japanese Yen (without tax)

Kaleidoscope Collection of the Narukawa Art Museum

2011-11-09T05:02:00.000-08:00

Narukawa Art Museum is located in Hakone near Lake Ashinoko and it boasts of fantastic view of Mt.Fuji.

This private museum is famous for its excellent collection of Japanese paintings, and what's more, of collection of kaleidoscopes, although the number is not so big as paintings.
The photo above shows stained glass kaleidoscope by Koji Yamami. This piece depicts the most beloved mountain and the symbol of Japan in beautiful colors. The inner image is full of soft warm colors.

In this museum kaleidoscopes are placed in a room overlooking Lake Ashinoko with Mt.Fuji in the background. On a finer day you would enjoy much more wonderful view from this point.

The next one is "Eternal Life" by Mitsuru and Yuriko Yoda. It also looks like Mt.Fuji, although it is originally designed as a pyramid. It is an electric kaleidoscope and people enjoy 4 different images as well as tunes of four seasons.

There are more Yoda's parlor type kaleidoscopes. The right one is "Time" which got People's Choice Award at the 2005 convention of the Brewster Kaleidoscope Society. The image shows changing scenes in a day. It produces a big sphere full of happy colors in front of you.

The left one is "Cranes", which was made in collaboration with an excellent stained glass artist.

The next one is a wheel scope by Koji Yamami. A very beautiful sculpture made of iridescent glass panels and pieces.

Tapered mirror system creates an interesting sphere with lots of colorful lines.

I was very glad to find a big dragonfly kaleidoscope by Sue Rioux among Japanese kaleidoscopes.

This is a very comfortable place to enjoy both Japanese paintings and beautiful kaleidoscopes by distinguished artists. And of course a splendid view of Mt. Fuji !

Water Planet

2011-11-02T06:01:00.000-07:00

This beautiful glass sculpture is "Water Planet" by Yasuko Nakazato.
The panel of the scope body is made from several kinds of textured transparent glass with blue agate inlay pieces. Decorative soldering adds beautiful silver flow on the panel. What a beautiful work !

The stand is made of vertically layered sheets of glass on the aluminum base, which is also a beautiful work of art.

The eye hole is on the upper triangle glass panel ( right side) . It has a prism for the mirror system as the artist does not like the usual mirror system to be seen through transparent glass panel. Triangular prism is precisely placed pointing the sphere object which is also very unique.

The sphere is made of several kinds of wires and a few glass pieces. It is a hollow sphere which creates very interesting images. By turning the knob you will enjoy the changing images of wire and glass. Through the prism you will see both front part of the sphere and background part in the depth as kaleidoscopic images.

Yasuko Nakazato's creative idea and performance is remarkable and it is my pleasure to introduce her works to kaleidoscope enthusiasts all over the world.

The 11th IKA Kaleidoscope Contest

2011-10-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

The International Kaleidoscope Association held its annual contest in October, 2011 at Gallerie Vivant in Tokyo. The contest was scheduled in May, however was postponed due to the nationwide confusion caused by the biggest earthquake and the devastating tsunami in March.
11 Japanese Artists attended the contest. The upper photo shows " Firework Fantasy" by Hideaki Yokoi, which was awarded as the most excellent work.
As you see in the photo, it comes with a headphone so that the viewer enjoys the beautiful images listening to the matching music.

The images are just like fireworks and it moves outward fast. It is really stunning.

Another two kaleidoscopes were awarded as excellent work. One was "The Blue Tower for Requiem" by Kyoko and Toru Kiribayashi. The acrylic body is very beautifully designed and shaped. It looks so nice with the light from the base.

They made this kaleidoscope mourning for the victims of the 3.11 disaster. It glows in blue.

The other excellent work award went to Ichiro Seino's "Rainbow Colors Aurora".

Ichiro Seino is an experienced ceramist and creates not only the hand-held ones but also a big parlor type as this one.

The big ceramic body with a tapered mirror system in it sits on the iron stand. From the wide opening you will see rainbow colored aurora coming up. It is awesome.

After the 3.11 disaster many Japanese people could not go forward and could not help thinking of what was gone forever. But then people began to think what could be done in a depressing situation. Artists started to create what expresses their mourning as well as wishes for the better tomorrow. It is interesting to see those blue colors in the kaleidoscopes. Japanese people feel these blue colors mitigate sorrows and ease their mind.

Yasuko Nakazato's "Aqua" which was awarded the people's choice award at the last convention was also dedicated to the people who suffered from the disaster.
http://japanesekaleidoscopes.blogspot.com/#!/2011/05/aqua-blue-for-depressed.html
I hope people will share the sorrows and wishes for the recovery by viewing these kaleidoscopes.

Look of the Sky

2011-09-28T03:53:00.000-07:00

These are new kaleidoscopes by Chitoshi Takabayashi. He specializes in wooden kaleidoscopes.
This series is titled "Look of the Sky".
The scope is 5 3/4" tall and the roundish body is comfortable to hold. Mixture of two kinds of wood realizes beautiful line appearing on the surface.

Each one has a turning oil filled cell with lamp-worked glass objects.
What is most impressive is that he chooses many white objects for these scopes and each type is different from others according to his intention.
You will be surprised to know that each white object is also different from others in shade and shape.
He is trying to express shade, depth and subtleness in his images.

There are 3 kinds in this series as you see in the photo.
The first one is a light colored body with a white back ground cell. It includes a few blue glass objects among white ones and the image looks like lightly cloudy sky.

The second one is a brown wood body with a brown background cell. The cell includes a cuple of orange and brown objects among white ones and expresses warm feeling of the chaging sunset scene.

The last one is a dark brown wood body with a black background cell. This type only includes white based glass objects with a bit purple tint.

Chitoshi Takabayashi learned a lot from Randy and Shelley Knapp and now he works hard to create his signature scopes.

Art of Mirror ,Glass and Light

2011-09-26T23:40:00.000-07:00

Last summer there was a very nice exhibition of kaleidoscopes and installation art of mirror and light at the Notojima Glass Art Museum in Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. It is located on the hill overlooking the Sea of Japan. During the 2 month period, about 21,000 people visited there and enjoyed the exhibit.

There were about 30 kaleidoscopes by Japanese and international artists from the collection of Gallerie Viant. Kazuko Ogata and Go Ogata, the owners of this gallery have been working hard to hold kaleidoscope exhibitions at art museums for these years and it is one of their projects.

This is a very good opportunity to introduce kaleidoscope art to the public.

Here are some of the exhibited kaleidoscopes.

Akira Kirishiki "Birth of the Universe"

Mitue Itoh "Mon"

Non Numajiri "Rainbow Dream"

Yasuko Nakazato " From the Sky to the Sea"

Kiyoaki Negishi "Farm Barn"

This glass art museum is very uniquely planned and is enjoyable to walk around.

There is another interesting installation project by Jin Hongo. He works with mirrors and lights to give us unique experiences. These are also interactive form of art like kaleidoscopes.

Morning Glory

2011-07-30T03:49:00.000-07:00

This is a glass kaleidoscope by Mitsuru and Yuriko Yoda. The theme is "Morning Glory" which is now in bloom in Japanese gardens.
The purple glass body is sand blasted to emboss flowers.
Size: 6 3/8" long, 1 1/2" diameter. Handheld.

Both the mirror system and the object cell are set in a glass body.
The object cell is very small and therefore each lamp-worked glass object is tiny, however the Yodas are very skilled to create beautiful images with tiny glass pieces.

The mirror system is "open" 2 mirror system, which leaves the 3rd side open. Light comes in from the open side through the white glass body and reflects the outer flowers around the mandala image.

The flower ring does not change. Inside it are blooming Morning Glories which change colors and shapes on the white surroundings.
It is a very recommendable kaleidoscope for summer season.

Which is your favorite image?

2011-07-29T05:35:00.000-07:00

These are new teleidoscopes made by Tomoo Hosono. The tube is hair line finished stainless steel and it has a crystal ball at the end. Crystal ball creates sharper images than acrylic balls.
Tomoo Hosono is known to be a creator of polarized images, however he has been developing various kinds of teleidoscopes for a long time with different sizes and mirror systems.
The newly developed ones are 4 1/4" long and 5/8" diameter.

There are 4 kinds of 3 mirror systems.
Let's try all of them looking at a sample photo.

The first one is 30-60-90 degree angled mirror system. Mr.Hosono names this image"Snow".

The second one is 45-45-90 degree angled mirror system, which creates repeated 4 point images.
Mr. Hosono names this image "Quilt"

The third one is isosceles triangle mirror system, which Mr.Hosono names "Hanabi" meaning fire works.

The last one is another isosceles triangle mirror system with narrower angle, which Mr. Hosono names "Mandala".

You might forget that you are looking at the same sample photo, as each one is so different from the original photo. You might find it interesting to know about mirror systems.
These teleidoscopes are easy to carry and handle. It has an optical lens for clearer images.
I am afraid these inner photos do not do justice, because they are much clearer and sharper if you look into the actual teleidoscopes.

Twinkle

2011-07-17T17:40:00.000-07:00

Ayaka Kobayashi used to make jewelry using her metalworking techniques. Now she makes kaleidoscopes with chasing technique for the tubes and gemstones for the object cell.
The title of this series is "Twinkle - HOSHI NO UMI" meaning innumerable stars in the sky.
She has engraved names of stars on the brass tube, which looks cool and unique as a design.of the scope body. Particular color and shine of the brass enhances its beauty.

As the title shows, inner images are full of twinkle and rich colors.
There are cut gemstones, Swarovski beads and metal pieces in an oil cell.
Each scope has its dominant color, such as "orange" as seen in the upper picture, and "turquoise blue" as in the next one.

Turn the scope body and you will find changing colors and sparkles before your eyes.

The dominant color of the next one is "pink".

Although "Twinkle" is a small kaleidoscope, you will find the universe in it.

Twinkle is 4 1/2" long, 7/8"diameter.

Sea Horse and Dandelion /pressed glass designs for scopes

2011-06-30T19:46:00.000-07:00

This is "Sea Horse" by Megumi and Asami Mizuhiro. The top glass panel was pressed on a mold in a kiln and then, the relief sea horse was painted with gold, which was heated again in a kiln.
It has an oil cell filled with glass beads in blue,turquoise and green as well as small metal pieces.
You will feel comfortable seeing these soothing colors before your eyes.

It comes with a matching pouch made from Japanese Kimono material by the artists.

There is another scope with pressed glass design with a dry cell. This is called "Dandelion" and you will see relief down highlighted with gold on the beautiful light blue glass panel. This is how they draw dandelion.

It has 2 mirror system with 6point images.

Combination of blue, purple, white and gold, which creates changing patterns, is comfortable for your eyes as well as for your mind.

The length of these glass kaleidoscopes is 5 1/2"

Kaleidoscopes of 16th century style

2011-06-04T03:17:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that they are kaleidoscopes? These buildings are made of cardboard and each one is a kaleidoscope! Shinichi Tamura is a unique artist who makes kaleidoscopes using paper materials.
However his kaleidoscopes are not aimed for children and they are fun for everyone to look at and look into. Interesting thing is that the buildings are made in the same style as the buildings in the Pieter Brueghel's engravings on the wall.

He has been interested in Brueghel's works for a long time and has decided to make scopes on this theme.
Inside is another different world with colorful images.

He uses a fractal pattern printed on film as object and creates unique images through various mirror systems.

Inner LED gives enough light to show beautifully changing colors in the houses and churches.

It is also fun to look for an eye hole of each building.
His past works include a big"Cathedral" and "Tokyo Metropolitan Government Office".

Aqua blue for the depressed

2011-05-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

This is "Aqua" by Yasuko Nakazato. This piece was unveiled at the recent convention of the Brewster Kaleidoscope Society and got People's Choice Award . Yasuko Nakazato was making a completely different kaleidoscope for the unveiling, which was made in memories of Cozy Baker and her beloved dog. However she could not continue making that scope after the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March.
After some time of depression, she decided to make another one using beautiful color which she felt most comfortable and encouraging at that time. So she chose this textured blue glass for the scope body and reflecting another blue for the base. She also put layers of thin glass slices between glass panels to add a magnificent impression.

This has 2 eye holes with different mirror systems. The images are in soothing blue/purple/green colors, which are lighted by LED.

A tapered mirror system creates 3D images with leaf design surrounding the sphere----Sorry, it is actually a big sphere.

She wishes to show hopeful light in her kaleidoscope and hopes that it will encourage many people feeling depressed.

Hope for the new beginnings

2011-04-14T06:57:00.000-07:00

Motohiro Sato creates beautiful glass tubes for the kaleidoscopes with the blown glass technique.
These are hand-held type with dry cell. The object cell contains lamp-worked glass objects.

You will turn the whole tube to enjoy changing images with comfortable sound of glass mixing.
The photo above shows an interior image of the rose glass kaleidoscope.
The next one is an interior image of the blue glass one.

And the last is an interior image of the green one.

Because of the translucent background of the object cell, the images are very clear and beautiful.
You will feel refreshed as if you were walking on a warm spring day.

Mr.Sato lives in Sendai-shi, Japan, where the devastating earthquake hit one month ago. His studio is OK, however his glass kiln was damaged and it is still hard for him to recover from the damage because of poor electricity supply and repeated aftershock.
But he is positive and looks forward to starting his creation as soon as possible.

Japanese people are very much helped and encouraged by a lot of heartfelt messages from all over the world. We would like to thank you very much. We will face up to current threats and hope to find better ways for the future.
"Life unfolds from the center
New beginnings emmerge from the breakup of past forms
All things turn and spin and change
Endlessly rearranging themselves
The world is truly a kaleidoscope" - Cozy Baker -

Rainbow Tint

2011-02-01T18:47:00.000-08:00

These beautiful rainbow tinted kaleidoscopes are creation of Ayaka Kobayashi. Very clear resin is colored in rainbow and small pieces of gold and silver foils are added to it. The tube is made of acrylic. You will see different patterns through the resin and they are all original design by the artist. They are about 4" tall and the diameter is 1 3/8".

This one has a very unique design with Tibetan characters and figure. The artist is interested in the Tibetan culture. The words mean, for example, player,sun, moon, soul, sky, wish and dream. The figure means "eternal bond"

The object cell is liquid type with black background. It includes gem stones, Swarovski beads, glass pieces, and metal pieces matching to the exterior colors.

Ayaka Kobayashi has been creating jewerly using chasing technique. She knows how beautiful gem stones are and try to get the best result in the object cells. She believes in the magical power of colors and her every creation is based on this idea.

She is creating kaleidoscopes with other materials and I hope I can show them here in the future.

This "Rainbow Star" 's retail price is 14700 Yen in Japan.

I wish you a merry Christmas

2010-12-19T05:12:00.000-08:00

This is a lovely kaleidoscope kit designed by Mitsuru and Yuriko Yoda. It is called "Santa Claus falling from the Chimney".
The Yodas design and create several kaleidoscope kits from the very simple tubes to more complicated ones like this kaleidoscope.
When you turn the knob on the right side, the object cell, Santa Claus and the Christmas tree turn!

The object cell is a fireplace and the mirror system is in the chimney. When you look from the top of the chimney, you will see lovely images.

However, most impressive and heartwarming way to enjoy this kaleidoscope is to light up by pushing the red button on the left of the base. The fireplace and the tree is lightened up.

It looks nice, doesn't it?
Both children and adults enjoy turning Santa Claus and the tree and looking into the scope to find dazzling images.

As it is turned by hand, you can stop it any time when you find your favorite colors. This is really enjoyable kaleidoscope.
If you are good at making a kaleidoscope from a kit, you could also enjoy creative process.

I wish you a happy Christmas and happy colors !

Hot glass creation

2010-12-08T06:01:00.000-08:00

Motohiro Sato has recently opened his own glass studio in his home town, Sendai, Miyagi prefecture. He has been creating blown glass kaleidoscopes for more than 10 years now. His kaleidoscopes are highly appreciated in Japan because of their beauty as well as their high quality.
This is "Sakuragasumi" meaning pale pink air surrounding cherry blossoms. It has a smooth turning object cell which contains lampworked glass pieces.

Japanese people enjoy cherry blossoms not only in daytime, but also at night. The next one is "Cherry blossom at Night" and it is a hand held kaleidoscope with a dry cell. (Center)

The inner image looks gorgeous against black background.

The next one is "Nagi" meaning "calm" in Japanese. This is a parlor type and it has a turning object cell. Every part is made of glass and it is his innovative idea to have a turning cell on the end of a blown glass tube.

The glass is so beautiful outside, but inside view is far more breathtaking.

These kaleidoscopes are exhibited at a show in Tokyo from Nov.30 to Dec.12,2010.

Check patterned kaleidoscopes with square images

2010-11-26T02:43:00.000-08:00

This is a stained glass kaleidoscope by Masaki Yonaga. The body is composed of transparent square pieces of glass and it looks there is no mirror system inside.
However you will see the big eye hole on the top and it actually has 2 mirror systems attached back to back. From the big eye hole, you will see two different square images. There are 4point image and .....

2point image.

There is something magical with this kaleidoscope and it is a great fun to wonder how he could create this.

This is another check patterned kaleidoscope by Masaki Yonaga. He loves check patterns and creates this body paying attentions to the details. He tries to avoid thick soldering in order to show delicate colors of each square pieces of glass.
Inside is another 4point images against the black background. He chooses very delicate object pieces and creates interesting and beautiful images.

Yonaga Masaki is a very experienced stained glass artists and has been creating original kaleidoscopes for many years. He teaches how to create stained glass kaleidoscopes and there are already several artists from his classes.

Collaboration of ceramist and kaleidoscope artists

2010-11-04T00:08:00.000-07:00

Teruko Tsuji is a famous female ceramist in Japan. She is now 90 years old and still creating her art work in her studio in Izu Peninsula overlooking Pacific Ocean.
She loves kaleidoscopes very much and has created ceramic tubes or boxes intended for kaleidoscopes. She asked several skilled kaleidoscope artists to make them into kaleidoscopes.

Recently I had a chance to see some of them and would like to introduce them.
The first one is "Clematis". Yuriko Yoda collaborated in mirror system and object case.

The second one is "Pipe".

Yoshiharu Mizoguchi did mirror system and object case. The eye piece is made from a seashell.

These 2 kaleidoscopes were exhibited at a recent show in Tokyo.

Now I would like to add one more Tsuji's kaleidoscope which was made in collaboration with Charles Karadimos. He did this from 1995 to 2000 and keeps a few with him and it is one of them.

You will see his signature 2mirror image inside.

I think it is interesting to see the collaboration of two artists like these examples.

Rose

2010-10-28T07:22:00.000-07:00

This is a big stained glass sculpture and kaleidoscope by Mizue Kato. Central part is a kaleidoscope with the eye hole on the top. The object is a stained glass cylinder which turns at the bottom.

There are so many glass pieces and you will see how much work and skill were necessary to create this kaleidoscope / sculpture.

3 mirror system with a narrow angle creates combination of mandala images.

The next one is another beautiful kaleidoscope/sculpture which is full of yellow roses and iridescent leaves.
Both the flowers and a kaleidoscope sit on the yellow glass base. The kaleidoscope is behind the second rose from left.

The kaleidoscope looks comparatively small, however the image is big and with many tones of yellow and green.

Gorgeous both in and out

2010-10-14T23:59:00.000-07:00

This is the newest kaleidoscope by Koji Yamami in art deco style. The stained glass body is made of several glittering glass pieces and gives a gorgeous look like a cut diamond.
He has an oil cell which includes lamp worked glass pieces especially made for this kaleidoscope.

As you see from the upper photo, he creates golden images using 3 mirror system, which are as gorgeous as the exterior.

There were several more masterpieces by him to show how skilled he was. But this was only the part of the exhibition held in Tokyo last September.

Koji Yamami works very hard to promote kaleidoscopes in Japan and especially is very enthusiastic in bringing up kaleidoscope creators from his classes. This exhibition is for those people who has been learning to create kaleidoscopes in his classes. I will show some of his pupil's works in the next post.

Clock Kaleidoscopes

2010-09-30T06:31:00.000-07:00

This is a clock kaleidoscope by Yasuko Nakazato. The front pottery work is by Yuko Tsuji, who has been creating tubes, boxes or plates at the request of Nakazato for her kaleidoscopes. Although Yasuko Nakazato's specialty is glass kaleidoscopes, she is enthusiastic to create kaleidoscopes using Tsuji's pottery.
This kaleidoscope is triangular shaped and the other 2 sides are covered by glass panels. You will see the oil cell which can be turned by hand while looking into the eyehole on the top.

The mirror system is nallow-angled 3 mirror system and it produces unlimited variety of color combination.

This is another clock kaleidoscope. The kaleidoscope sits on the top and is removable for viewing.

The mirror system is 2 mirror system and produces 7 point mandala.

The two artists respect each other's work and love working together. They create bigger ones as this clock kaleidoscopes as well as handheld types and tiny pendant teleidoscopes. Isn't it nice to have a clock like this in your room ? No one will understand why you are looking into the clock.

Mandala and Meditation

2010-09-23T05:57:00.000-07:00

Shigeru Haneishi is a skilled stained glass artist who is fascinated by changing beauty of the kaleidoscopes.

He is rather new to kaleidoscope community in Japan, however he produces kaleidoscopes of high quality and his work was awarded the best prize at the 10th kaleidoscope contest of the International Kaleidoscope Association this year. I.K.A.was established by Kazuko Ogata of Gallery Vivant and they hold this contest every year aiming to find new talented artists in the kaleidoscope field.

This kaleidoscope is one of his new works exhibited at the recent kaleidoscope show in Tokyo.

It has a tapered 2 mirror system and an inner lighting for viewing beautiful symmetrical images.

There are 5 interchangeable object cases. These are 2 of them. Each one has a textured fabric background. These fabric are chosen from Japanese traditional silk fabrics. The object pieces were chosen for each cell to give different impressions.

The title of this kaleidoscope is "Hana Meisou". Hana means " kaleidoscopic mandala" and Meisou means "meditation".

Kaleidoscopes by a metalsmith, Kazuo Sekii

2010-09-08T23:41:00.000-07:00

This is a metal kaleidoscope by Kazuo Sekii. He is a metalsmith who has been creating various kinds of metal pieces such as reliefs, masks, bowls and plates for about 30years.
He found modern kaleidoscopes at his favorite gallery and got interested in them. He learned about scope making and finally suceeded in creation of his own kaleidoscopes using metalsmithing tecniques.

Intricate patterns are engraved on the surface of the tube and the eyehole part shows different expression of metal finish. The kaleidoscope has a slim body and a stand attached to the object chamber. It looks like a candle stand and it is actually very stable.

There are semiprecious stones,glass pieces and peals in this oil cell. 3mirror system.

The following photos show his new kaleidoscopes included in his latest one-man show in July.

Brass tubes are raised, hammered ,painted and engraved to have unique texture on the surface.

Mr.Sekii finds a new theme of his art in kaleidoscopes.
We find new attractive media for kaleidoscopes in Sekii's work.

Sweet Kaleidoscopes

2010-08-26T00:39:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that they are all kaleidoscopes? Yes, they are.
These are made by Karin and each is differernt.

You will find the eyehole by taking the top off.

And you see the image like this.

It is sweet ! Just taste it with your eyes.

Casked Kaleidoscope

2010-08-26T00:21:00.000-07:00

This is a very large 3D image by Mitsuru and Yuriko Yoda.
They are commissioned by a winery in Furano, Hokkaido to create a large kaleidoscope using a cask.

This is the entrance of the winery.
The kaleidoscope stands on the second floor. You will see how big it is.

Mr.and Mrs. Yoda did a great job and their kaleidoscope fascinates visitors of this winery with its everchanging beautiful colors and patterns.
It includes a tapered 3 mirror system which creates a large sphere suspended in a cask. Their mirror system is perfect as usual.

Their selection of object pieces are so nice and the result is enchanting !
The object cell turns electrically and the background LED changes in five colors.
Just look into the big eyehole and you will find a flowery planet.

Beautiful kimono images found inside the glass tower

2010-07-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

This is another masterpiece by Yasuko Nakazato, who recently won the people's choice award at the 2010 convention of theBrewster Kaleidoscope Society.

Yasuko Nakazato was commissioned by the Kaleidoscope Museum of Kyoto to create a kaleidoscope symbolizing the Kyoto Tower, which is a landmark of the ancient capital city of Japan.

She created the building's part with more than 200 layered glass strips, which included 3 different mirror systems and one object wheel inside.
Every other parts are also made of glass specially designed for the particular shape of the original tower,using different techniques.

There are 2 large eye holes for easy viewing on the brass top.

The design and shape of eye holes resemble famous stone garden in this city.

LED inside illuminates both the object wheel and the tower.

What is most impressive is the image created. The upper image looks like a thick woven fabric for Obi of Japanese Kimono through 4 mirror system.

The second image is through the same mirror system, however ,has comletely different atmothphere.

The secret of the diversity lies in the object wheel. Usually you can not see it from the outside, but the artist allows me to show it here. What a beautiful wheel it is ! The wheel has both black and white background for diversity. Objects are chosen carefully to express seasons in Kyoto and to suggest traditional patterns of Kimono.

The wheel turns smoothly with the ball bearing.

The second mirror system is tapered and creates sphere"Temari" images.

The third mirror system is 3mirror system and images suggest "Kyo-Yuzen", traditional dyed silk fabric for Kimono.

There are many beautiful places to visit in Kyoto, however you should not miss this kaleidoscope at the Kaleidoscope Museum of Kyoto.

Tokyo Tower

2010-07-01T07:42:00.000-07:00

This is a very unique kaleidoscope in the shape of the Tokyo Tower, which is a landmark of the capital city of Japan. Koji Yamami made this kaleidoscope for the unveiling at the Brewster Kaleidoscope Society's 2oth convention. The Tokyo Tower is as old as the artist himself and its existence has been so familiar to him since his childhood.

The eye hole is placed in front at about 1/4 height of the tower. Through the mirror system, you will see beautiful scenes of Tokyo day and night.

This is daytime Tokyo.

The next picture shows night time Tokyo

By turning a handle at the side, images change from day

to night.

People's Choice Award to Kaleidoscope History Book 2010

2010-06-27T05:45:00.000-07:00

Artist name: Yasuko Nakazato

Scope name: Kaleidoscope History Book 2010

Exterior features: Glass kaleidoscope resembling a book with lighting inside. It is placed on a brass plate.

The glass covers are adorned with brass relief and colored to give an old-fashioned look of a real book.

Mirror system: unusual tapered mirror system

Object cell : Dry cell

The book can be opened at any angle with the mirrors on both of the opened pages. It works as a poly angular mirror system and produces multi-angular images.

There is an eye hole on the top and you will see a big image inside. It is too big for one shot to cover all the area.

"The Kaleidoscope History Book 2010" was unveiled at the convention of the Brewster Kaleidoscope Society and got a People's Choice Award . Congratulations!

Lotus - from the IKA exhibition of kaleidoscopes -

2010-06-03T18:49:00.000-07:00

This is "Lotus" by Kyoko and Toru KIRIBAYASHI.

They have been creating unique acrylic kaleidoscopes. There are 2 kaleidoscopes with different mirror systems and object types. They are lotus flowers in the pond and you will find scope tubes in the center. The most challenging part for them is to express softness of petals using rather hard material. With the lightning inside, images sparkle and radiate in blue and purple.

This is another example of their acrylic kaleidoscope "Star Gate" from 2008 exhibition.

Wisteria Images - from the IKA exhibiton of kaleidoscopes -

2010-06-03T18:17:00.000-07:00

The 10th International Kaleidoscope Assciation's juried exhibition is held now at Gallery Vivant in Ginza, Tokyo. This exhibition is aimed to offer the artists to present their new creations. It also aims to raise interest among people who are starting to acknowledge kaleidoscope as an art form. This is a very good opportuinity to see kaleidoscopes both by known artists and to-be-known artists.

This is a parlor type kaleidoscope by Junko Hasegawa, which is titled"Flower, flower, flower" .

The front panel is a traditional silk textile depicting people enjoying flower season and surroundings of old court in Japan. It is covered by a clear glass and put into the black stained glass body. You will see the images from the top and there is a wide area for seeing around inside the scope.
These are a couple of photos of images. Glass wisteria is located in the mirror system and create 3D images.

Reflective surroundings for teleidoscopes

2010-05-18T05:39:00.000-07:00

This is a teleidoscope made by Koransha, Co.,Ltd, which is one of the famous porcelain ware makers in Japan. Flower's pattern adorns white porcelain cylinder.
The company has been producing beautiful porcelain flower vases, cups and saucers, plates and other table wares for many years in Arita, Kyushu, the south part of Japan. They succeeded in producing porcelain cylinders suitable for kaleidoscopes and teleidoscopes after many hours of attempts and learned to make teleidoscopes and kaleidoscopes under the guidance of Koji Yamami who is a leading kaleidoscope artist in Japan.
There are several patterns on the cylinders for customer's choice.
This teleidoscope have a 2 mirror system with the reflecting material on the third side. Let's enjoy images of flower pots through this mirror system.

It also reflects the flower's color around the mandala image.
Green leaves of trees look like this through this teleidoscope.

It is a good collaboration of traditional porcelain products which has 400 year history and kaleido- and teleidoscopes which has been invented 200 years ago.

Unique material for the scope body

2010-04-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

Artist: Non Numajiri
Scope name: Suzanne. Open edition.
Mirror system: Tapered 3 mirror
Object chamber: Dry objects. Turning end. Translucent stained glass is used for the back ground.
Exterior features: Hemp strings coil the corn-shaped body.
Dimensions: 3" Diameter, 7 3/8" Height

Each scope is color-coordinated and this is her style at the moment. The tapered 3 mirror produces bigger and finer images but at the same time it is a challenge because even a small flaw can be seen.
She cuts mirrors precisely to produce flawless images.

The Tale of Genji

2010-04-22T07:44:00.000-07:00

Artists: Shinko and Tomoko Otsuka

Scope name: The Tale of Genji

Mirror system: 2mirror and 3 mirror

Object cell: Oil cell

External features: Decoupaged tubes depicting several scenes from the Tale of Genji.

5 hand held kaleidoscopes in a set with a beautifully crafted base.

The Tale of Genji is one of the most famous classic novels of Japan and is written by a female writer called Murasaki Shikibu in the beginning of the 11th century. The tale is a masterpiece consisting of 54 chapters that depicts the life of an imperial prince and ladies and had a significant influence on later literary works.

Each tube is very carefully hand crafted and has beautiful color selection to match the exterior.

These kaleidoscopes are exhibited at a show in central Tokyo, which is produced by Gallery Vivant.

April 21-27, 2010

Glass Garland

2010-03-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Artist name: Yasuko Nakazato

Scope name: Glass Garland

Mirror system: 4mirror tapered

Object cell: Dry cell which is filled with lampworked glass objects, beads, metalwork and gem stones.

External features: Flower pattern is sandblasted on flashed glass. Sits on a iron stand of arabesque design.It has a wide eyehole for easy view with the both eyes.

Dimensions: 5"H x 7"W x 6"D

Uniquely assembled tapered 4 mirror system produces "garland "image.

This is a hand held version of the BKS awarded "Fall Grasses"(2007) and has similar inner images and atmosphere. It looks fabulous as a glass ornament as it is as a kaleidoscope.

A breath of spring

2010-03-16T19:25:00.000-07:00

Artist name : Ichiro Seino
Scope name: "Ibuki" , a breath of spring

Mirror system : 2mirror 6point

Object cell: Dry cell

External features: Glazed ceramic tube with gold flower and bud motif on it. Hand held type.
Dimentions: 2 1/8" diameter, 8 1/8" length

Mr.Ichiro Seino is an experienced ceramic artist and he creates various kaleidoscopes under many themes.
This one has a title meaning "the breath of Spring" in Japanese. It depicts a flower and buds using impressive blue and gold colors. The tube was repeatedly kilned for unique texture .

The object cell includes cut and lamp-worked glass objects. You will enjoy crisp movement of the objects and changing images.

Mr.Seino's website: http://homepage1.nifty.com/seino/tenji.kaleido.html

Projection kaleidoscopes by Mitsuru and Yuriko Yoda

2010-02-19T23:13:00.000-08:00

Nagano city holds Lantern Festival at this time of the year commemorating Nagano Winter Olympic games 8 years ago. Zenko-ji Temple, one of the oldest temples in Nagano city is the main venue of this event.
Mr. and Mrs. Yoda had a fantastic exhibition of their projection kaleidoscopes at one of the satellite temples of this big temple. Kaleidoscope images were projected to the exterior wall of this building and people were excited to see changing colors and patterns projected to the very top of the building.In a big room there were 14 projection kaleidoscopes set up for unique views. The upper photo shows 3 kaleidoscopic images with silhouette of rabbits projected on the sliding paper door.
The next one shows projected images on an alcove and on a silver screen.This is an image projected on the tatami floor. There is a paper gold fish hanged and it looks like swimming in a colored pond.This is an image projected from back side on a big screen . Considering the fact that the diameter of each scope is less than one inch, it is incredible work of the Yodas to create such big and sharp images.Two kaleidoscopes were projected to big white balls seperately. It is fun to see changing images projected to a sphere.Even the courtyard was colored by the projected images. Can you find the stone garden lantern?
This is the 3rd time for the Yodas to have this kind of event here. They have been spending much time and energy to develop better projection kaleidoscopes. It is their passion that amazes us.
Viewers are surrounded by beautiful changing images and they enjoy being in a different space from their usual life. It is such a fantastic experience.

Japanese Black Lacquered Kaleidoscope

2010-02-13T06:07:00.000-08:00

Artist: Fumie Ino
Scope name: Butterfly
Mirror system: 2 mirror
Object Cell: Dry cell, turning end
External features: Japanese black lacquered tube with gold work. Handheld.
Dimensions: 5 1/4" height 1 3/4" diameter

Two gold butterflies adorn the black lacquered body, which is so beautiful. This kaleidoscope is a work of traditional craft using Japanese lacquer. It takes time to produce a tube like this because repeated lacquering and polishing makes glossy surface of the tube .

Fumie Ino chooses glass objects carefully to create images matching to the theme of the scope.

One image reminds us of a flower which butterfly loves and another image reminds us of thin colorful wings of the butterflies.

She puts some translucent glass objects among the other transparent ones, which produces some gradation on the images. This is one of the features of her image making.

Jellyfish in the cell?

2010-02-05T02:43:00.000-08:00

Artist: Chikako Ishida
Scope name: "Kurage" which means jelly fish in Japanese.
Mirror system: 2 mirror producing 5point image.
Object cell: Oil filled, lampworked glass objects, blue background.
External features: Stainless steel body with a wooden base.

This is a standard style of hand-held scopes of Ms.Chikako Ishida.
Using the same stainless body, she produces different inner image with various themes which make each one unique. With this one, you will have an impression that jellyfishes are floating in the cell.

Blue background is very impressive because it sometimes transmits light also from the front and shows all shades of "blue"s.
Looking into this kaleidoscope, people will feel like standing in front of aquarium or floating in the sea. How about you?

Warm and Happy

2010-01-15T00:12:00.000-08:00

Artist: Sumiko Akatsu

Scope Name: Felt kaleidoscope series

Mirror system: 3 mirror or 2 mirror system.

Object chamber: Dry chamber with glass pieces including blown glass and lampworked glass.

External Features: The scope body is felted. Small hand held kaleidoscopes.

The artist spends much time in felting each scope body in gradated colors. They look warm and beautiful. And people are surprised at their lightness.

Sumiko Akatsu has been creating glass kaleidoscopes using various glass work technique.
This series have completely different touch outside, however we find the same beautiful images in each kaleidoscopes. Very thin glass pieces create layers of colors and intricate images inside.
There are teleidoscopes as well in this series.

Happy Colors

2010-01-03T21:51:00.000-08:00

Artist: Motohiro Sato
Scope Name:" Iris" series (small) Open edition
Mirror System : 3 mirror system
Object chamber: Oil cell with lampworked glass objects
External features: Blown glass kaleidoscope
Dimensions: 2 1/2" x 4 3/8"

Motohiro Sato is the first Japanese kaleidoscope artist who creates blown glass kaleidoscopes.
This series is smallest line of his scopes and a couple of them show his new colors.Every parts are made by the artist himself and he has developed his own technique of mirror assembly and object making, not to mention of glass blowing. Among transparent glass objects of matching colors he has some white translucent pieces which add different impression of the glass pieces in the oil cell. There are 8 colors of this series. People feel like having a couple of them together to enjoy color variation.What is your favorite color?
Anyway please enjoy happy colors!

Exhibition at a unique gallery

2009-12-28T01:11:00.000-08:00

Yoshiharu Mizoguchi shows his kaleidoscopes at many art galleries all over Japan. Usually his show lasts for a week to 2 weeks. This is a very unique gallery that have many pots of moss and "Bonsai" on exhibit. Having kaleidoscopes and pots of green together produces calming atomosphere for the vistors. Some of his kaleidoscopes are adorned by beautiful paper, which shows a poem form the old Tale of Genji. The letters are written by the artist himself, who mastered the calligraphy of the historical handwriting.

Silk Road

2009-12-28T00:15:00.000-08:00

Artist: Yoshiharu Mizoguchi
Scope name: Silk Road series
Mirror System: 3mirror
Object cell: Dry cell with lampworked glass pieces.
External features: Japanese black lacquer ware, which is in the shape of the traditional tea caddy. It is adorned with beautiful mother-of -pearl and silver inlay depicting grapes and vines.
This kaleidoscope looks like a tea caddy used in the tea ceremony. When you put off the lid you will find an eye hole to look into.
Mr.Mizoguchi is a very skilled artist /craftsman who has mastered various techniques of traditional Japanese arts and crafts. He creates Japanese style kaleidoscopes using these techniques and authentic materials.
The grape and vine pattern was introduced into Japan from middle east via ancient Silk Road.

Scenery on the Glass

2009-11-20T04:19:00.000-08:00

Artists: Megumi and Asami Mizuhiro
Scope name: "The First Snow of the year", one of the kind

Mirror system: 2 mirror system

Object chamber: Dry object including glass pieces and beads

External features: New series of their kaleidoscopes using different glass technique.

They draw pictures with glass powder and fired them in the kiln.
Dimensions: 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" x 3 3/8" Small Handheld type.

They intended with this "First Snow" to have a blurred image using translucent glass between the objects and mirror system.

Scope Name: "Field of Golden Rod", one of a kind
Scope Name: "Beach" , one of a kind

The most challenging part of this series is to find the precise amount of glass powder to express color gradation of the scenery. Each one is different, however, all of their glass pictures attract us and invite us to look into the kaleidoscopes, where we find calm and soothing images.

As usual these kaleidoscopes were wrapped in Kimono silk pouches made by the artists.

Potter's kaleidoscopes

2009-11-10T05:52:00.000-08:00

Artist: Ichiro Seino

Scope name: Autumn Tints

Hand held

Mirror system: 3 mirror

Object cell : Oil filled, side lit, black background cell with glass and clay objects

External feature: Ceramic ware

Ichiro Seino is an experienced potter and has created many earthen wares for a long time.

He was fascinated by the new art form and started to create kaleidoscopes in 2006. He now spends much time in the creation of ceramic kaleidoscopes.
Japanese people loves beautiful scenes with autumn tints and it is quite often the theme of various kinds of art. Mr.Seino also makes several kaleidoscopes under this theme and each one is different. This one is hand painted and kilned several times.
This is one of the pieces exhibited at the one-man show in November 2009.

Rainbow Blue

2009-10-26T23:27:00.000-07:00

Artists : Mari Toyoda and Noriko Haga

Scope name: Rainbow Blue

Mirror system: 2 mirror with the third side open
Object chamber: Dry, lampworked glass objects

External feature: Hand held. Half-cylindrical glass body. No soldering.

Dimensions: 2 1/2" x 1 3/8" x 8 3/8"

Cobalt blue glass with blue,green and turquoise lines fused is slumped to a half cut cylinder and is attached to a glass panel to create this unique scope body.
From the third side of mirror system which is open, the light comes thorough the glass body and reflects lines around the mandala images.

Finely lampworked glass objects produce very intricate images.

The other glass colors are also available, so it is called Rainbow series.

Kaleidoscope Calendar

2009-10-10T04:45:00.000-07:00

Artist: Non Numajiri

Scope name: Kaleidoscope Calendar
Mirror system: 6 different mirror systems

Object cell : Dry, lamp-worked glass objects

External features: Set of 6 handheld kaleidoscopes placed on a Japanese style wooden shelf.
Hemp strings coil around the scope bodies.

Each kaleidoscope has its seasonal theme and the artist tries to express it through different mirror systems.

January/February : Snow

March/April : Flowers

May /June : Fresh Green

July/ August : Sea

September / October : Colored Leaves

November / December : Stars

Hemp strings in 3 colors coiled around the kaleidoscopes .
They have different designs showing 6 periods of the year.

This kaleidoscope set got the award for the best kaleidoscopes at the IKA, International Kaleidoscope Association's juried exhibition held in Tokyo in August, 2009.

Quattro by Koji Yamami

2009-09-26T05:54:00.000-07:00

Artist: Koji Yamami

Scope name: Quattro

Mirror system: 4 x 2 mirror systems (6, 8, 10, 12 point)

Object type : Dry, doubled cylinder.
External features: Stained glass, Parlor scope.

This is the latest work by Koji Yamami and is currently exhibited at the kaleidoscope show in Tokyo. The name comes from Italian word "Quattro" which means "four", because it contains 4 mirror systems, all of which are 2 mirror systems with different number of points. What is unique is that it has one eye hole to look into all of these 4 mirror systems.

The object is also unusual because it consists of doubled two cylinders which turn separately.

Each cylinder is made from various glass pieces and decorative soldering.

Cluster Amaryllis

2009-09-24T05:43:00.000-07:00

Artists: Megumi and Asami Mizuhiro

Scope name: Cluster Amaryllis

One of a kind

Mirror system: 2 mirror 6point

Object cell: Dry cell

External features: Glass. Pâte de verre.

Dimensions: 1 1/4" x 1 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Mizuhiro sisters choose Japanese themes and create fine glass kaleidoscopes. Cluster Amaryllis adorns the glass body with the "Pâte de verre"technique and gold is used as a finish on the glass.

It comes with a silk porch which is made from Japanese Kimono fabric by the artists.

White wonderful bottle

2009-09-23T18:08:00.000-07:00

Artists: Mitsuru and Yuriko Yoda
Scope name: White Wonderful Bottle
Mirror system: Open 2 mirror system

Object cell: dry cell with lampworked glass pieces.

Besides in the cell, there are free falling glass pieces in this bottle.
External features: Custom-made blown glass body.
Dimensions: 4 1/3" x 2"

Although this is a compact kaleidoscope by the Yodas, it brings you a lot of joy with its beautiful images. What is unique with this kaleidoscope is the way the objects move. It has an usual object cell at the end of mirror sytem, which can not be seen from outside. You see the central mandala images produced from this cell in these photos. Besides this, there are free moving glass pieces in this bottle, which appear at the angle when the open side of the mirror system catches those pieces. They appear gradually and disappear silently while you turn the scope body.

The open 2 mirror system also reflects the coloful spots of the external glass body.
Optical lens is used for the clear images.

Polarized fantasy by Tomoo Hosono

2009-09-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

Artist: Tomoo Hosono
Scope name: R.sp.M
Mirror system: Tapered 4 mirror
Object cell: Dry, Polarized
External feature: Stainless steel body
Signed
Dimensions: 1 3/8" x 4 1/4"

Who knows such fabulous images are hidden in this simple stainless tube?
It is what Tomoo Hosono aims while producing his kaleidoscopes.

Aluminium kaleidoscope by Sumi

2009-09-02T01:07:00.000-07:00

Artist: Toshio Sumi

Scope name: Kaleidoscope #s-02

Mirror system: 2 mirror

Object cell: Oil filled with glass pieces and white shells.

External features: Parlor scope. Aluminium body and stand.
Using gears to turn the cell.

You may notice that the background of the cell is half black and half blue, which produces different types of images from one scope.

This kaleidoscope was introduced at the IKA, International Kaleidoscope Association, show at Gallery Vivant in Ginza, Tokyo in August, 2009.
Toshio Sumi has been creating unique kaleidoscopes using aluminium and brass since 1985. Sometimes his kaleodoscopes look like machines as they have several gears to turn the cell.

Prism, glass and metal

2009-08-29T05:49:00.000-07:00

Artist: Yasuko Nakazato
Scope name : Still in a Dream
Mirror system: Prism
Object case: Dry, lamp-worked glass objects and glass beads
External feature: Parlor scope. Layered glass body with brass accents and a glass ball.
This kaleidoscope is one of Nakazato's latest works and has been exhibited at Gallery Vivant in Ginza, Tokyo.
Nakazato continues to design new kaleidoscopes using various glass working techniques. This one features layered glass body, which is one of her favorite medium, and a prism instead of usual mirror system. She uses a prism not only for the mirror's sake, but also for sculptural beauty that it originally has.
She is also very good at designing kaleidoscopes using multiple media such as glass, brass, iron, wood and ceramics.

A Drum for viewing

2009-08-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

Artist: Sumiko Akatsu

Scope name: "Hana-Tsuzumi ", meaning "Flower Drum" in Japanese.

Mirror system: 2 mirror

Object case: Dry, lampworked glass, glass beads, shells

External features: Stained glass kaleidoscope in the shape of a small drum.

Dimensions: 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 3 3/16"

This is a kind of miniature kaleidoscope, but of high quality with delicate images inside.
Japanese washi-paper is used for the backdrop to get soft light from outside.

Objects are elaborately created to produce arabesque images.

Optical lens is used for the clear view.

Ms.Sumiko Akatsu is known to us as a new kaleidoscope artist. She has been making scopes since 2005 and now she gives her mind to creation of kaleidoscopes.

She finds many themes in nature and traditional arts, which inspire her so much in creation of various kinds of kaleidoscopes.

Tasteful Gold Kaleidoscope

2009-08-15T22:45:00.000-07:00

Artist: Motohiro Sato

Scope name : "Raden"

Mirror system: 2 mirror 7 point

Object cell: Dry, Lampworked glass objects

Exterior features: Blown glass kaleidoscope
Dimensions: 2 3/8" x 6 3/4"

This is a hand blown glass kaleidoscope and every part is made by the artist himself.
Motohiro Sato applies gold leaves to the glass and blew it to create a beautiful body with unusual gold pattern. It resembles traditional silk Kimono fabric.
The glass objects were carefully chosen to create fascinating images against black background.
The sound of falling glass pieces accompany this kaleidoscope's visual harmony.
Mixture of transparent glass objects and translucent ones create ever-changing images that will capture your eyes as well as your mind.

Light creates colors

2009-08-07T22:57:00.000-07:00

Artist : Chitoshi Takabayashi
Scope name : Daybreak
Limited edition
Mirror system: 2 mirror 5point
Object cell : oil filled, lamp worked glass objects.
Exterior features: Beautifully turned wood body . Metal rotater and acrylic object cell.

Side of the cell is dyed in four colors so that the light through it produces different colors on the white-based objects. Rotater has uneven form and while being turned it controls the amount of light to come in.
This is a very unique way to create colors and shades of the images, which the artist has been challenging with his white-based glass objects. Chitoshi Takabayashi is a new artist and this Daybreak is his first kaleidoscope to be introduced.
He spent so much time for this kaleidoscope and is very proud of the result. He learned a lot about kaleidoscopes from Randy and Shelley Knapp and you can feel it when you pick it up.

Exotic or Japanese?

2009-08-02T06:56:00.000-07:00

Artists: Jun Kojima
Rika Kita(ceramist)
Scope name: "Alchemist" Blue/Gold
Mirror system: 3 mirror /isosceles triangle
Object cell : Oil-filled, lampworked glass pieces, dichroic glass pieces.
External features: Ceramic body created by Rika Kita.
Sandblasted glass object case attached to the ceramic body.
Dimensions: 1 1/2" x 6 1/2"

Ceramist Rika Kita creates very unique, textured body of kaleidoscopes for Jun Kojima.
This one shows typical texture of Kita's work with gold lines highlighted on the blue/white surface. Her ceramic is often described as "exotic" and not "Japanese", but fascinates Japanese people.
Their collaboration includes both handheld scope like this one and the bigger parlor scopes.

Jun Kojima chooses mirror system and objects which match well with Kita's ceramic body and he tries to express symmetrical beauty, mystery and wonder in his kaleidoscopes.

This is a good example of collaboration by two artists of distinctive originality.

Black Lacquer Kaleidoscope

2009-07-28T21:58:00.000-07:00

Artist: Fumie Ino
Scope name: Rabbits and Moon
Mirror system: 2 mirror
Object cell : Dry cell with lampworked glass pieces. Turning end.
Exterior features: Black lacquered wood. Wood eye piece with a ring of seashell just around the eye hole. Optical lens is applied. Wood rotater.
Dimensions: 1 5/8" x 5 1/4"

Japanese traditional lacquer work with rabbits and moon pattern adorns the kaleidoscope body.
It is time-consuming process because repeated lacquering and polishing is necessary for good gloss and durability. Lovery rabbits are handpainted also with traditional lacquer work skill.

Fumie Ino is a female artist who creates soft and subtle images in her kaleidoscopes.
She also paints flowers or animals on the porcelain tubes and creates beautiful kaleidoscopes.

Projection Kaleidoscopes

2009-07-28T02:26:00.000-07:00

Artist: Mitsuru and Yuriko Yoda
Scope name: Projection kaleidoscopes
Mirror system: 2 mirror / 3 mirror
Object cell: Liquid filled. Lampworked glass objects.
External features: Small kaleidoscope which can be projected on the various background. It is eco-friendly because it needs only a little electricity to lighten up both the room and people's mind.

These are projection kaleidoscopes exhibited in the newly opened kaleidoscope museum in Hokkaido, Japan. The former primary school building which was built 98 years ago is now converted to a museum and is an exciting and warm place for both children and adults.
Some classrooms are used for exhibition of kaleidoscopes under different themes.
Among them, library and music rooms are used for the exhibition of projection scopes.
These are the projected images in the music room.
Mobile figures(bird and note) and kaleidoscope images

Projection on the piano and music. People feel relaxed in this room and enjoy playing the piano.
Mitsuru and Yuriko Yoda have put much of their time and energy into the innovation of the projection kaleidoscopes and they have succeeded in producing unusual, but comfortable circumstances full of colors and enjoyment.

Jewel / Oil type

2009-07-19T04:56:00.001-07:00

Artist: Koji Yamami
Scope name: Jewel /Oil

Mirror system: 2mirror
Object case: Liquid filled wand / lamp worked glass pieces
External features: Stained glass
Dimensions: 9" x 5 1/4"

Usually Yamami's kaleidoscopes boasts of very sharp images, but this one has something different. Glass slivers which are drawn and twisted on the burner make beautiful object pieces of this kaleidoscope.

Although each glass pieces are very clear in colors, the mixture of colors and shapes produces beautiful color gradation through its mirror system. Layers of glass objects mingled in a thick oil create delicate expressions which look like that of paintings.

Jewel Wheel

2009-07-15T00:11:00.000-07:00

Artist: Koji Yamami

Scope name: Jewel Wheel Kaleidoscope

Mirror system: 3 mirror

Object: Glass wheel (single or double)

Exterior features: Stained glass

Koji Yamami is one of the pioneers of the Japanese kaleidoscope artists.
He got to know about kaleidoscopes while he was studying arts in the US.

In those days there were only toy kaleidoscopes made of paper in Japan.

After he returned to Japan, he started his glass studio and began making kaleidoscopes.

So his history accords with the history of kaleidoscopes in Japan.

He is acclaimed for the impeccable mirror configuration as well as his skilled stained glass creation. His works were awarded several times at the Brewster Kaleidoscope Society conventions.

He has been teaching kaleidoscope classes for many years and some of his students are now creating kaleidoscopes of their own as artists.

Butterfly

2009-07-14T05:45:00.000-07:00

Artist: Yasuko Nakazato

Scope name: Butterfly

Mirror system: Tapered 2 mirror
Object case: Liquid filled. Lamp-worked glass objects. White translucent background.
External features: Slumped glass, sandblasted butterfly design.

Dimensions: 3" x 6" x 2"

The glass used for the scope body has 2 layers, red and yellow.
By sandblasting the butterfly patterns, the second layer, yellow, appears.
Butterfly pattern comes from Japanese traditional family crest and it is a theme of this kaleidoscope.

Tapered 2 mirror system produces bigger images and it shows subtle expression of every glass piece. Nakazato realizes perfect imagery of this kaleidoscope's theme.

Yasuko Nakazato won People's Choice Award for her "Fall Glass" at the 2007 convention of the Brewster Kaleidoscope Society.

Polarized magic

2009-07-13T17:32:00.000-07:00

Artist: Tomoo Hosono

Scope name: Polarized kaleidoscope M

Mirror system: 2 mirror (MW) and 3 mirror (MK / MS / MM)

Object cell: Liquid filled cell. Polarized. White translucent background.

External features: Stainless steel

Dimensions: 1 3/8" x 4 5/8"

Hosono makes various 2 mirror types (MW)with differnt points.

MK is 3 mirror with 45-90-45 angles.

MS is 3 mirror with 30-60-90 angles.

MM is 3mirror image created by narrow angle isosceles triangle.

Hosono specializes in polarized kaleidoscopes, which are highly appreciated by the kaleidoscope enthusiasts. He produces unbelievably beautiful symphony of colors within a sleek and contemporary stainless body.
He also makes shorter ones (MS) for the 2mirror types, which are 3"long.

Corridors of colors

2009-07-13T17:17:00.001-07:00

Artists: Akinori and Ayako Nakamura

Scope name: Mirrors x mirrors

Mirror system: 4+α mirror system

Object: Stained glass wheel　at the bottom
External features: Stained glass. Hand-drawn glass panel.
Dimensions: 2 5/8" x 2 5/8" x 3 3/4" This is a wonder box which allures you to a labyrinth.
Lovely flower and butterfly drawn by Ayako adorn the box and invite you to take it up.
Once you find the eyehole at the corner, you are tempted to peek into it to find the amazing corridors of colors. Additional mirrors at the both end of mirror system create infinite visions as placed between two mirrors.

White porcelain kaleidoscopes

2009-07-13T05:35:00.000-07:00

Artist: Fumie Ino
Scope name: Flowers, open edition
Mirror system: 2 mirror
Object cell: Dry, lampworked glass objects.
External features: White porcelain kaleidoscope with different flower patterns. Wood eyepiece and object cell. Optical lens is used for clear images.
Dimensions: 1 3/8" x 5"

They are beautiful white kaleidoscopes with various Japanese designs of flowers on the porcelain bodies. The kaleidoscope body is very smooth and easy to handle.Ino's object case include both transparent glass pieces and translucent glass pieces, which creates fine mixture of clear and hazy colors.

Pâte de verre

2009-07-13T01:30:00.000-07:00

Artist: Megumi and Asami Mizuhiro

Scope name: Peacock One of a kind

Mirror system: 2mirror

Object cell: Liquid-filled wand

External features: Glass. Pâte de verre.

Dimensions: 9" x 4"x 1 1/4" “Pâte de verre” means “Paste of glass”.
The peacock is created with this glass technique and adorns the glass body of kaleidoscope.
Delicate expression of peacock feathers with gold accent is very beautiful.
Oil wand cell contains glass, glass beads, and metal pieces.
The inner images are resemblance to peacock feathers and you can enjoy changing colors by turning the oil wand.
This is one of a kind and a rare piece created by the artists.
It comes with a beautiful pouch which is made of Japanese kimono fabric, also created by the artists.

Blown glass kaleidoscope

2009-07-13T01:02:00.000-07:00

Artist: Motohiro Sato
Scope name: Senrin
Mirror system: 3mirror
External Features: blown glass
Parlor type, also can be taken from the base and enjoyed as a handheld type.
Object cell: Turning dry cell with lampworked glass objects.

The object cell turns so smoothly with the ball bearing system inside. Comfortable sound of
moving glass objects accompanies visual joy. He creates clear and beautiful images which
are very much appreciated in Japan.

Insects Eye

2009-07-13T00:47:00.000-07:00

Artist: Mari Toyoda
Scope name : Kamikirimushi (meaning sawyer beetle in Japanese)
One of a kind
Mirror System: unconventional 4 mirror
Object sell: dry cell with lampworked glass pieces

The images are very unique and look different when you turn the body of the scope as the mirror system itself moves within the glass box..The objects create iridescent colors of the insects.Innoovative and beautiful glass work of Toyoda was recently introduced at the kaleidoscope show in Tokyo.(June 2009)

Porcelain and kaleidoscope "Yume"

2009-07-12T18:09:00.000-07:00

Artist: Yasuko Nakazato (kaleidoscope artist) and Yuko Tsuji (ceramicist)
Scope name: "Yume" (meaning Dream in Japanese), open edition
Mirror system: 2 mirror or 3 mirror Object cell: Dry chamber

These are good examples of collaboration between kaleidoscope art and ceramic art. The tubes are different in shapes and patterns which are hand crafted by the ceramicist.

Yasuko Nakazato has developed her glass skills and applied them to many aspects of kaleidoscopes. In this case, objects are finely made by burner work and they create beautiful images. For this yellow image, she thought of Sunflower by V.Goch and produced each glass objects.

Welcome to "Japanese Kaleidoscopes"

2009-07-12T17:39:00.000-07:00

I am a kaleidoscope enthusiast living in Japan. In this weblog, I will introduce kaleidoscopes made by Japanese artists. The reason why I start this blog is that I want to share beautiful world of Japanese kaleidoscopes with people overseas. I will have these pages in English so that they are easily accessible for as many people as possible worldwide. If you are interested in any of these kaleidoscopes or have questions regarding these pages or the artists, contact address is info@kaleidoscopes.jp
Thank you and enjoy!
*This photo shows glass kaleidoscopes by Motohiro Sato recently exhibited at the kaleidoscope show in Tokyo.(June 2009)