Rie Glass Garden

Aji Glass and Olive Glass – Capturing the Spirit of Kagawa in Glass

Aji Glass is created by fusing “Aji Stone,” a renowned granite from Kagawa, into molten glass. This process produces a vivid blue that evokes the serene beauty of the Seto Inland Sea.

Olive Glass, on the other hand, is made by incorporating branches and leaves of the olive tree—Kagawa’s prefectural flower and tree—into the glass, resulting in a gentle green hue reminiscent of the soft breeze that blows through Sanuki.

Each piece is handcrafted with the hope that those who hold this glass will recall the landscapes of Kagawa and the Seto region and feel the warmth and tranquility of its air.

About the Artist: Rie Sugiyama

Founder and Glass Artist of Rie Glass Garden

Born in Kagawa, Japan

After graduating from university, Rie worked in interior design, art galleries, and publishing—pursuing fields she loved. However, her deep fascination with glass led her to return to her childhood dream of working with her hands.

She studied the fundamentals of glassmaking for three years at both the Tokyo Glass Art Institute and the Toyama City Institute of Glass Art. During her training, she rediscovered her deep love for her hometown, which inspired her to create Aji Glass in 2011.

•    2012: Received the Special Jury Prize at the Kagawa Prefecture Product Competition
•    2013: Founded her studio, Rie Glass Garden
•    2014: Opened a gallery on the second floor of her studio
•    2020: Introduced Olive Glass
•    2022: Awarded the Grand Prize in the Olive Category of the Kagawa Prefecture Product Competition

She has held numerous solo and group exhibitions at department stores, galleries, and shops primarily in Takamatsu and Tokyo.

Studio and Landscape

Rie’s studio is located near the center of Takamatsu City in Kagawa Prefecture, close to the calm sea. The region is blessed with breathtaking island scenery on the tranquil Seto Inland Sea, gentle mountains, and a mild, peaceful climate that matches the temperament of its people.

Kagawa, Japan’s smallest prefecture, offers a compact yet richly natural environment. Here, everyday life flourishes with vitality. Her work is a sincere expression of the calm and pleasant spirit of Sanuki