When she sits and listens to the voices of a transparent piece of glass, her hands start to move. Before she knows it, a new piece is made and she sometimes wonders who made it. The comb de shio pieces have been borne from the artist’s hands and through this special power she feels.

The name, “comb de shio” is derived from “Combu (dried kelp)” and “Shio(salt).”

Someone once said a piece without coloring looked “like salted kelp.” Combu and Shio became “comb de shio.” Combu and Shio are also offerings to the gods at Ise Jingu shrine. Instinctively, I knew this had to be it. And now, comb de shio has become my life. Our atelier, which I was drawn to in 1999, is near Sakakibara Onsen in Mie Prefecture where it is said a Miyako princess once cleansed herself before visiting Ise Jingu for worship. I cannot help but believe that something sacred drew me to this place where comb de shio glass was born.

Glass Art Panels, the origin of ISAKO’s works

A mysterious charm created with a mix of warmth and texture, they are popular pieces that are modern but also very Wa (traditionally Japanese).

“My pieces that are displayed on walls can only be seen in a gallery. But if women can wear my pieces, they become the galleries. My pieces are exposed to a larger audience. My artwork and these accessories mean the same to me.”