IKUKO'S PROFILE

I am a lampworker and have been since March of 2017. The color combinations of the glass and the science behind them is what interested me and prompted me to take my first class. With my background in chemistry, seeing how the different colors were manufactured continues to fascinate me.

Japanese lampwork glass is called Tombo-Dama.  Tombo means dragonfly and Dama means sphere in Japanese. The glass beads resembled dragonfly eyes and were named Tombo-dama in the Edo period. I have been learning Tombo-dama techniques at Kinari Glass shops in Japan as well as honing and improving my glasswork skills at home.

 All my beads are individual and unique. Seeing the smiles of joy on those who take home my beads are why I create them.