Exhibition Outlines

Shippo (Japanese cloisonné) is a familiar craft technique used in various jewels and ornaments such as brooches, etc. In this exhibition, we will introduce master works and superiors work often modern era, which was the golden age when a number of artistic craftworks representative of Japan were created.

Shippo is a technique where glass quality enamels are applied on to metal or ceramic surfaces, to create beautiful patterns and designs. Shippo in Japan has been carried out from ancient times, but made rapid Progress during the Meiji era. Due to the introduction of western chemistry, improvements of the enamels made it possible for unrestricted expression of colors, establishing a unique craft division decorating the entire surface of vessels such as vases and small boxes, utilizing various techniques.

The masterpiece by Namikawa Yasuyuki, Vase with design of birds and flowers of the four seasons, that was highly praised at the 1900 Paris International Exposition, is in our collection. It is a Piece that shows the height of expression ability in its design of intricate flowers and birds achieved only by the transparent enamels of modern age shippo. Then again, the Panel with Mt.Fuii by Namikawa Sosuke, is a piece that seems as if it was a Japanese paintings, also showing the exquisite techniques of modern Japanese Shippo.

In this exhibition, we attempt to explore the features of modern shippo expressions from the Meiji to early Showa eras, through the various pieces showing the essences of high standard techniques. We also will exhibit Chinese shippo pieces mainly of tt Qing Dynasty, to show their influence on Japanese modern shippo. We hope you will enjoy the variety of beautiful expressions seen within the art of modern shippo.