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 stained glass tumble inside a dry cell, providing intricate patterns and images in a wide array of bright colors.
Japan 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.
Fumie Ino’s Japan kaleidoscopes are unique in that they don’t have a separate turning chamber and she uses 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.