Tombodama (Glass Beads)

History

Glass beads (Tombodama)　were first brought to Japan via the Silk Road during the Nara period (710-794). Domestic production petered out during the Heian period (794-1185), but is said to have been revived during the Edo period (1603-1868). 　

At Fujimuratombodama Kobo, the whole manufacturing process from glass coloring to bead making is conducted by hand, using the same style of traditional charcoal kiln that was used during the Edo period. The deep shades of colors produced by this time-honored method can't be seen on modern glass and still possesses the shine loved by ancient people.