It would seem Japanese people have a knack for creating incredibly detailed works of art in miniature form. We've already seen artists creating sculptures on the tip of a pencil, artists creating miniature Zen gardens and miniature sushi food samples.

From time to time, these works are showcased on Twitter through hashtags which gather momentum. The most recent example was a hashtag ハンドメイド界隈のテンション上げてく為に自分のイチオシ作品画像を貼ろう which translates to "let's post images of our favorite works to get people psyched in the field of handmade [art]"

Miniature Kiriko Glasses

Miniature artist megu (@meguxmini) participated in the hashtag campaign, promoting her own minuscule yet detailed reproductions of traditional Kiriko style glasses. Kiriko, or Satsuma Kiriko, is a method of glass etching inspired by Dutch and English glasswork and originally manufactured by the Satsuma clan from the final years of the Edo period to the beginning of the Meiji period (1868–1912).

Twitter users were so impressed with her handiwork that her tweet has received 79,750 likes and 26,000 retweets at time of writing. Some commented that the glasses would be perfect for a luxurious doll party, some exclaimed that they wanted to buy them on the spot, and yet others expressed their amazement at her skills.

Making Miniature Kiriko Glasses Out of Acrylic

The artist also tweeted images showing how she made her miniatures out of acrylic rods. First, carefully sculpting and shaving down the rod...

...then adding color (you can tell it's already beautifully shaped at this stage)...

...then finally carving the detailed patterns which create the distinctive Kiriko look.

She even puts them in a miniature wood box, in a perfect replica of the common method used in high-end shops (such as department stores) where kiriko glasses are sold.

Of course, that's the way her customers receive them when they purchase a set from her.

If you're interested in buying some of your own, please follow her Twitter account for information on the occasional Yahoo auctions she holds or, for those who happen to be in Japan at the right time, the craft and design events where she presents her work.