Unique Gifts, Fumie Ino of Japan Kaleidoscopes

Fumie Ino of Japan handcrafts these lovely kaleidoscopes one at a time. We are aware of two distinct styles that she is currently focusing on. One is a porcelain body style usually with flowers or botanicals adorning the exterior. This style features a wooden eyepiece and wooden accent to the object cell. Mostly 2 mirror systems. Very intricate delicate interior images with a beautiful array of glass pieces in a dry cell. She also does a higher style kaleidoscope featuring black Lacquer and hand painted images. These Black Lacquer Kaleidoscopes feature and separate lovely turning dry cell. We treasure her work and are pleased to offer a very limited supply of her amazing work to you.

Fumie Ino is a Japanese artist who brings the beauty of the Orient to her handcrafted kaleidoscopes. She captures the simplicity and solace of cherry blossoms, lilies, and other delicate flowers with hand-painted kaleidoscopes made of ceramic or black lacquer. Delicate pieces of hand lampworked glass tumble inside a dry cell, providing intricate patterns and images in a wide array of bright colors.

Fumie Ino’s Japanese kaleidoscopes are unique and beautiful in every way. She loves to use a 2-mirror system to create spectacular patterns and designs. Her attention to detail makes her kaleidoscopes pieces of art in themselves; a must-have in any kaleidoscope collection. We are proud to offer a limited supply of her breathtaking work.

Japanese kaleidoscopes have a unique history, first appearing in the country in 1819. The Japanese people were not accustomed to foreign things brought by outsiders due to their isolation. It is thought that merchants from west India first introduced kaleidoscopes, along with glassware, telescopes, scissors and prisms. They were known as “Hyaku-iro Megane” which means “mirror tube with hundred colors.”

Over time in Japan, kaleidoscopes were used both as toys and as educational tools. The first kaleidoscope museum in the world was opened in Japan, and there are many renowned artists like Fumie Ino making beautiful pieces that are enjoyed around the world.