When you hear “Seto Inland Sea”, what is the first color that comes to mind?
The beautiful blue of the sea would likely spring to most people’s minds!

Made from Aji stone, which is mined in Aji-cho, Kagawa prefecture, this superb blue glass is called Sanuki Aji stone glass.
The individual who makes this beautiful glass is Ms. Rie Sugiyama, a glasswork craftsperson from Kagawa prefecture.

Originally working in interior and advertising, industries far removed from glasswork, she was inspired after seeing some glassware pieces created by a glass craftsperson. Glass became tremendously important to Ms. Sugiyama, so much so she resolved to leave her hometown and devote herself to its study.
After leaving, she discovered her affection towards her home area and felt that she wanted to make glass using something only found in her home region. Through the pain of extensive trial and error she finally found it.

These are actual Aji stones. In general, they’re used for creating high-class tomb stones!
When Ms. Sugiyama originally thought about using Aji stone for glass, she didn’t imagine that it would give such a beautiful blue.
When she first saw it, she thought, “It’s the color of the Seto Inland Sea.”

Located in Takamatsu city, this is Rie Glass Garden. It serves as Ms. Sugiyama’s glass workshop cum gallery.
Here, in her 1^st floor workshop, Ms. Sugiyama creates each piece one by one with her own hands.

At the gallery on the 2nd floor, you can buy glasswork made in the workshop.
On display you can find plates, drinking glasses, vases, ornaments, chopstick stands, lighting equipment and other products to bring color to everyday life.

Using her glassware to display one of the good sides of her home region, and interacting with people who come to visit her gallery are apparently the things that make Ms. Sugiyama happy.
Do drop by – you may find rare gems brimming with the air of the Seto Inland Sea.

RGG Gallery (Rie Glass Garden)

Address: 2-2-17 Matsufuku-cho, Takamatsu city, Kagawa prefecture
Tel: 090-4782-4681 (Sugiyama)
Open: Saturdays, Sundays & Mondays (Even on national holidays)
Hours: 15.00-19.00
Homepage: http://aji-glass.jp/ (Japanese)

Setouchi Finder Photo-writer: Yumi Kobayashi