The Art of Japanese Cloisonné: History, Craftsmanship, and the Golden Age
September 21st 2022
“Exploring the history, techniques, and artistry of Japanese cloisonné — from its revival in Owari province to the Golden Age of the Meiji period.”
What is Cloisonné?
Cloisonné, or shippo in Japanese, is the art of decorating metal objects with enamel held in place by delicate wires, often made of silver or gold. The term comes from the French word cloison (meaning “partition”), reflecting the technique of creating cells on the surface of an object that are filled with enamel pastes and then fired. The result is a jewel-like surface of vivid colours and intricate patterns, ranging from floral motifs to mythological scenes.
Japanese Cloisonne enamel Sake pot available at Jacksons Antique
Early Beginnings in Japan
Although cloisonné was known in Japan as early as the 16th century, it was initially confined to small decorative items such as water droppers and sword fittings, especially the tsuba (sword guards) of samurai swords. Much of the early material was imported from China, where cloisonné had been produced for centuries.
A pivotal figure in reviving the art within Japan was Kaji Tsunekichi (1803–1883) of Nagoya, Owari province. In the 1830s, Tsunekichi deconstructed a piece of Chinese cloisonné to learn its secrets and successfully created his own enamel dish. By the 1850s, he had become the official cloisonné maker for the daimyo of Owari, training students who would later become masters themselves, including Hayashi Shogoro and his pupil Hayashi Kodenji (1831–1915).
The Rise of Cloisonné in the Meiji Period
The Meiji period (1868–1912) is often called the Golden Age of Japanese Cloisonné. As Japan opened to the West and traditional crafts shifted from utilitarian to decorative use, cloisonné makers found eager international audiences. The turning point came in 1873 when the Nagoya Cloisonné Company won first prize at the Vienna Exhibition, sparking worldwide demand.
This era saw the emergence of master artisans such as:
- Namikawa Yasuyuki (1845–1927), famed for meticulous detail and painterly designs.
- Namikawa Sōsuke (1847–1910), celebrated for pioneering the wireless (musen) technique, eliminating wires for fluid imagery.
- Hayashi Kodenji (1831–1915), one of Tsunekichi’s most influential students.
- Kawade Shibataro (1856–1921), known for his mastery of plique-à-jour (shōtai-jippō), which created translucent enamel resembling stained glass.
- Ando Jubei (1876–1953), who elevated cloisonné to international acclaim through his company, Ando Shippo, which remains active today.
By the early 20th century, Owari province had become the centre of Japanese cloisonné, with more than fifty workshops producing for domestic and export markets. The craft was so highly valued that the Ando Company received an Imperial Warrant to supply cloisonné to the Japanese court.
Japanese cloisonné enamel vase by Namikawa Yasuyuki previously sold from our collection at Jacksons Antique
Techniques and Innovation
While cloisonné originated in China, Japanese artisans of the late Edo and Meiji periods transformed it into a uniquely refined art form. Their dedication to experimentation led to the development of specialised techniques that pushed the boundaries of enamelwork and elevated Japanese cloisonné, or shippō, to international acclaim. These methods not only enhanced the visual depth of cloisonné but also showcased the technical brilliance of master craftsmen such as Namikawa Sōsuke, Namikawa Yasuyuki, and Kawade Shibatarō.
- Musen shippō (無線七宝, Wireless Cloisonné): Enamel is applied to the body or the wire while being painted. The wire is then removed before firing, leaving seamless, flowing designs.
- Yūsen shippō (有線七宝, Wired Cloisonné): Silver or gold wires outline the design, a hallmark technique from Owari province.
- Moriage shippō (盛上七宝, Raised Cloisonné): Enamel is built up in layers above the wires to create a three-dimensional, textured surface. Kawade Shibatarō was a master of this style, producing works for the Tokyo Imperial Palace.
- Tōtai shippō (透胎七宝, Openwork Cloisonné): Parts of the object’s body are cut away, then filled with semi-translucent or translucent enamel, resembling stained glass.
- Shōtai shippō (省胎七宝, Dissolved-Base Cloisonné): Translucent enamels are applied through yūsen technique, but the underlying metal is later dissolved in nitric acid, leaving delicate transparent sections.
- Saiyū shippō / tsuiki shippō (彩釉七宝 / 鎚起七宝, Hammered Cloisonné): The vessel’s contours are hammered out in relief, then decorated with coloured enamel.
- Émail shippō (エマイル七宝, Double-Glaze Cloisonné): A hybrid of French and Japanese enamel traditions, using double glazing to prevent corrosion.
- Dōtai shippō (銅胎七宝, Copper-Base Cloisonné): Cloisonné enamel applied to copper forms.
- Gintai shippō (銀胎七宝, Silver-Base Cloisonné): Cloisonné enamel on sterling silver bodies, often prized for their brilliance.
- Tōmeiyū shippō (透明釉七宝, Transparent Cloisonné): Enamel that remains clear and glass-like after firing.
- Han-tōmeiyū shippō (半透明釉七宝, Semi-Transparent Cloisonné): Enamel that retains a soft, misty translucency.
- Fu-tōmeiyū shippō (不透明釉七宝, Opaque Cloisonné): Enamel fired to a dense, non-transparent finish.
Japanese makers also distinguished themselves with subtle use of colour and design. Unlike Chinese cloisonné, which often featured bold turquoise grounds filled with repeating motifs, Japanese cloisonné favoured poetic simplicity, with single-colour backgrounds highlighting finely detailed flowers, birds, or mythological scenes. Together, these techniques defined the golden age of Japanese cloisonné during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Works by masters such as Namikawa Yasuyuki, Namikawa Sōsuke, Kawade Shibatarō, and the Ando Company continue to attract collectors worldwide for their unmatched refinement, innovative artistry, and enduring beauty.
Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Plique a Jour vase previously sold from our collection at Jacksons Antique
Collecting Japanese Cloisonné Today
Pieces from the Meiji period remain the most sought-after examples, admired for their innovation and meticulous craftsmanship. Many bear the marks of their makers on the base, allowing collectors to attribute works to masters like Namikawa, Ando, and Hayashi. Today, cloisonné from this era can be found in major collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore.
Ando Shippo, founded in 1880 by Ando Jubei and Ando Juzaemon, continues to produce cloisonné in Nagoya. Their workshop and museum stand as living proof of the enduring legacy of this extraordinary Japanese art form.
Pair of Japanese Cloisonne enamel vases available in our collection at Jacksons antique
Owner at Jacksons Antique
I am an antique dealer and owner of Jacksons Antique, specialising in fine antiques with a particular focus on Japanese art and European decorative objects. With over a decade of experience in the antiques trade, I source and curate pieces for collectors across the UK, the United States, and the international market.
Working primarily online alongside select exhibitions, I am part of a newer generation of dealers helping to modernise the way antiques are researched, presented, and acquired. My approach is built on careful attribution, transparent descriptions, and historically grounded research so clients can buy with confidence.
Through Jacksons Antique, I aim to make important historic objects accessible to both established collectors and those developing their collections.
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