Portrait of Shimadzu Nariakira (1809-1858)

Around the middle of the 19th century the 28th lord of the Shimazu clan, Shimazu Nariakira (1809-1858) began promoting various industries with the intention of turning the Satsuma domain affluent. One of such industries was the production of glassware. Satsuma Kiriko was born through the efforts of craftsmen within an extremely short time. Of these craftsmen, the cut glass master Shimoto Kamejirō (who was summoned by Nariakira’s father during his lordship) played an important role in the history of Satsuma Kiriko.