Koji Yamami

Kaleidoscope maker

©Koji Yamami

Crafting dreams with stained glass

Koji founded Art Kaleidoscope Japan to promote his craft to the public
The kaleidoscope was invented by Scottish physicist David Brewster in 1816
A teleidoscope creates kaleidoscopic patterns from external objects

Koji Yamami is an award-winning Japanese kaleidoscope artist and maker who studied art and design at Santa Monica College in California in the 1980s. Inspired by a stained glass kaleidoscope at a gallery, he recalled his studies in stained glass in Japan and began handcrafting kaleidoscopes upon returning to Tokyo. Koji's kaleidoscopes are relatively large scale, brilliantly coloured structures pieced together with stained glass. They are usually inspired by figurative and natural motifs. The inner view presents colourful, ever-changing and mysterious images. Actively promoting kaleidoscopes globally, Koji also teaches kaleidoscope design in his stained glass studio. His mission is to inspire and surprise people by pioneering new artistic technologies and promoting kaleidoscopes worldwide.

Interview

©Koji Yamami

What other work do you create besides one-of-a-kind pieces?: I collaborate with Japanese aluminum manufacturers for a line of high-quality scopes at affordable prices, and with Arita porcelain artisans to produce kaleidoscopes and teleidoscopes that blend traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern kaleidoscope art.
How do you want people to feel when they see your work?: I love impressing and surprising people by developing unique mirror systems, pursuing what no one else has, and creating magical images, never seen before.
What was the first piece you created?: It was a life-size dog-shaped kaleidoscope. I draw inspiration from everything around me, especially the scenery of nature. Ideas often come to me suddenly as I observe and feel my surroundings.
Do you think the future of kaleidoscopes as a craft is at risk?: I have trained about 150 apprentices, and a few are making a living solely from kaleidoscope making. I am confident that the kaleidoscope craft is not in danger.

Koji Yamami is a master artisan: he began his career in 1994 and he started teaching in 1995