Japan

Cloisonné 七宝

Important technological innovations introduced during the Meiji era (1868-1912) brought about a renewal of cloisonné enamel ware, thanks in particular to the work of the German chemist Gottfried Wagener (1831-1892), employed as one of a number of foreign specialists then working in Japan. A close collaboration ensued between Wagener and Namikawa Yasuyuki 並河靖之 (1845-1927), appointed Imperial artisan in 1896 and considered among the best enamel craftsmen of his time. The works of Yasuyuki, examples of which are on show here with the signature “Kyôto Namikawa”, make full use of the new range of colours available and are characterised by extremely thin gold and silver wire partitions. By contrast, Namikawa Sôsuke 濤川惣助 (1847-1910), would perfect a technique of wireless enamelling (musen shippô 無線七宝), aiming to reproduce some of the effects of painting.