Mold-blowing / Free-blowing

In mold-blowing, a glob of molten glass is spooled at the end of a blowpipe and air is blown into the glob. Then, it is placed into a mold and further air is blown into the mold to form the glass into a desired shape.

Free-blowing is a fundamental technique for shaping glass. It does not use molds at all but instead blows glass into various shapes in mid-air. The fundamental technique of free-blowing is utilized in the process prior to placing glass into a mold for mold-blowing, or for producing handles of beer mugs.

Cutting

Using this technique, geometric patterns are rendered on the surface of glassware with various grinding wheels. Basically, all cut patterns are combinations of the following four types of cuts: V-shaped, convex, hollow, and flat. Cutting is the most important processing technique that makes the brilliance of crystal glass stands out remarkably.

KAGAMI's cut glass, featuring a high refractive index, has earned unparalleled reputation both in Japan and abroad for the depth and the sharpness of cuts as well as for its elegant design.

Engraving (Gravure)

KAGAMI uses a technique called “copper-wheel engraving,” which is regarded as the finest technique in engraving (Gravure).
>A basic design drawn on the surface of glass is engraved diligently with a copper-wheel to which fine abrasive emery sand powder dissolved in oil is applied.

Through further polishing and Bokashi (blurring with gradation) processes, subtle, shading effects are rendered, which are unachievable by normal cutting techniques.

This technique was developed in the Bohemia region in central Europe with the advent of Bohemian Crystal, and is an extremely difficult technique to master. This technique was introduced to Japan by Kozo Kagami and has been passed down to the present day.