Discover the Exquisite Kaleidoscopes by Fumie Ino of Japan

Fumie Ino of Japan handcrafts these lovely kaleidoscopes one at a time, each piece a testament to her artistic skill and dedication. We are pleased to offer two distinct styles from her current collection. One style features a porcelain body adorned with flowers or botanicals, complemented by a wooden eyepiece and wooden accents on the object cell. These kaleidoscopes, mostly with 2-mirror systems, create intricate and delicate interior images with a beautiful array of glass pieces in a dry cell.

The second style is a higher-end kaleidoscope featuring black lacquer with hand-painted images. These Black Lacquer Kaleidoscopes include a separate, lovely turning dry cell. Both styles capture the simplicity and solace of cherry blossoms, lilies, and other delicate flowers, showcasing Fumie Ino’s attention to detail and artistic vision. If you're searching for unique Japanese kaleidoscopes or wondering where to buy handmade kaleidoscopes, Fumie Ino's creations are the perfect choice.

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.