Combining ancient Japanese craftsmanship with the Star Wars universe, Kotobukiya produces one of the most unique exclusives to be found at Star Wars Celebration IV in Los Angeles - Kiriko Glassware...

Traditional Japanese glass etching technique, known as Kiriko, has been in existence since in Edo (present-day Tokyo) since 1824, when artisans first began experimenting with emery powder to produce glassware engraved with patterns. As Kiriko developed during the Meiji era (mid-19th century), the craft went through many revisions, such as utilizing new equipment introduced from the west, while still retaining the time-honored Japanese techniques utilized until this day.

In 1985, Kiriko was designated a Traditional Craft Industry by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Stipulations to qualify as a Traditional Craft Industry are as follows: the main process of manufacturing must require expert manual skills, the history of the techniques used must date back at least a century, and the craft must use traditional materials.

Kotobukiya has taken the Kiriko technique and blasted it to Tatooine, with the release of the R2-D2 KIRIKO GLASS. The 10oz whisky style glass is hand etched at different levels, taking the pattern of R2-D2’s droid body and transforming it into a work of art. You can easily feel the deep engravings when holding the two-toned frosted texture glass in your hands. Due to the complex production involved in creating this glassware, only a small quantity (less than 200 pieces) of the R2 Kiriko Glass will be available at Star Wars Celebration IV. The glass will retail for $35.00 and can be found exclusively at the Kotobukiya booth (#921).

Update: Kotobukiya will sell only 200 of these glasses at Celebration IV, but expect a wider release in Japan at a later time. This item is NOT limited to only 200 pieces. Kotobukiya is using CIV as a testing ground for the glassware. If the response is strong, they plan to follow up with other designs at US conventions later this year.

Star Wars Celebration IV will fill the L.A. Convention Center from Thursday, May 24 to Monday, May 28, 2007. Admission to the first day of the event will be for worldwide members of the Official Star Wars Fan Club. The convention will be open to the general public from Friday through Monday, Memorial Day.