(Chinese & Korean description below)
Shippōyaki is a pottery made of metal and glass and refers to its traditional craftsmanship and works. It has a very long history; blue glaze was even used in the golden mask of Tutankhamun in Ancient Egypt. It is said that it was brought to Japan along the Silk Road with the introduction of Buddhism during the Nara Period. Cloisonné ware’s origins go far back into history. The world’s first cloisonné ware decorated the Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun’s mask, and the oldest existing Japanese cloisonné ware is the mirror stored in Shosoin Treasure House in Nara. When Japonism was a popular movement, Japanese cloisonné ware was highly valued at World Expositions and attracted people from all over the world. It is said that Japan's oldest Shippōyaki is an ornament excavated from an ancient tomb built at the end of the Kofun period. Later, Shippōyaki, called 'Shipporuri' began to be made around the Edo period and began to decorate the belongings and residences of daimyo in various places. The technique was established by Tsunekichi Kaji in Owari Kaifu-gun (currently Kaifu-gun, Aichi Prefecture) during the Tempo era. Later, with the development of science and technology in the latter half of the 19th century and the growing awareness of arts and crafts, Cloisonne's technique and design also developed rapidly.
Intricate Design: Shippōyaki features intricate and detailed designs created by using thin metal wires to form compartments, or cloisonnes, on the surface of the metal object. These compartments are filled with colored enamel, creating colorful and intricate patterns, often depicting natural motifs, animals, or geometric shapes.
Vivid Colors: One of the hallmark characteristics of shippōyaki is its use of vibrant and colorful enamel. The enamel is carefully applied to the cloisonnes, and when fired, it produces brilliant and lasting colors that are visually striking and durable.
Smooth and Glossy Finish: Shippōyaki pieces are known for their soft and glossy surface finish. The enamel is fired at high temperatures, resulting in a glass-like, polished appearance that enhances the beauty of the design and colors.
Multiple Firing Stages: The creation of shippo yaki involves multiple firing stages, as each color of enamel must be applied and fired individually. This meticulous process requires great skill and precision to achieve the desired result.
Variation in Techniques: Shippōyaki encompasses various techniques, including musen shippōyaki (wireless cloisonné), ginbari shippōyaki (silver foil cloisonné), and moriage shippōyaki (raised enamel cloisonné), among others. Each technique adds unique textures and dimensions to the finished piece.
Collectible and Artistic: Shippōyaki pieces are highly regarded as collectible art forms. They are often seen as intricate and valuable works of art due to the craftsmanship and the finished pieces’ beauty.
Durable and Long-Lasting: Shippōyaki is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. The enamel's high firing temperatures make it resistant to chipping, fading, or discoloration over time, ensuring the longevity of the artwork.
Procedures to make Shippo-yaki
Preparation of groundwork: We will make the foundation material. After cutting out the copper plate according to the size you make, hit it with a wooden hammer and make a curve. By doing this, it will not break easily when glazing. After that, they move on to glazing the back, called "Urahiki." If the glaze is applied only to the front, it will lose balance and break easily, so apply both sides of the base material. Next, "Ginbari" is to be applied with silver foil. It is designed to prevent it from breaking in the later process.
Transplanting
They make a silver line according to the outline of the pattern we want to make. This process is the main part of the wired seven treasures and takes the most time. The metal wire will be deformed into the desired shape by pinching it with tweezers. Occasionally, it is heated and moderately softened to make it easier to deform.
Glazing
They add the color of the glaze to the pattern shaped in the previous process. At this time, the glaze is placed a little beyond the height of the metal wire. Because it is done by hand, the surface will be uneven at first. Ultimately, however, it is polished and smoothed so that the surface height is uniform.
Special about Akita Shippōyaki
Famous Artist in Akita
Masako Minato, is a celebrated Japanese cloisonné artist born in 1965. She began her artistic journey in 1979 under the guidance of Emiko Ishiyama and held her first solo exhibition at AKT Salon in 1979. Minato has garnered numerous accolades throughout her career, including recognition at prestigious exhibitions like the Japan Contemporary Craft Art Exhibition and the Japan Art Exhibition (Nitten).
In addition to her artistic achievements, Minato is dedicated to preserving and sharing the art of cloisonné. She established a cloisonné experience program at Akita Furusato Village's Handmade Workshop and has been actively involved in various art associations. Her contributions to the art world were acknowledged with the Akita City Cultural Award in 2001 and the Akita Prefecture Cultural Merit Award in 2022. Masako Minato's mastery of cloisonné and her commitment to its tradition continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, making her a prominent figure in the world of contemporary craft.
Introducing the Shippōyaki workshop by Minato Shippōyaki Kōbō (Japanese audio/Russian sub)
Introducing Masako Minato’s work and how to make it (Japanese only)
Current Activities
Minato Shippo Workshop
Held at the Akita Culture Creation Center, 1st floor community space.
Place: 3-16, Chiaki Akitoku-cho, Akita City
Time: Every 2nd Friday of the month, 10:30-12:30 (subject to change depending on the availability of the venue and schedule)
Fee: 1,500 yen (materials fee not included)
Observation and trial are welcome.
Minato Shippo Factory (湊七宝工房)
〒010-0826 Akita, Shintoda, Takanashidai−95
Tel・Fax : 018-838-1278
Photos by Tohoku Digital Archive
七寶燒
其起源非常古早,世界最古老的七寶是裝飾埃及圖坦卡門面具,而作為現存的日本最古老之物是保存在奈良正倉院的「黄金瑠璃鈿背十二稜鏡」,非常有名。之後經過許多時代,於十九世紀後半,日本主義運動興起,在世界各地舉辦的萬國博覽會上,日本的七寶受到全世界的高度評價,作為日本文化之華麗的一面而讓全世界著迷不已。
七宝焼
七宝烧起源悠久,世界上最古老的七宝被用于装饰埃及法老图坦卡蒙的面具。现今日本最古老的七宝烧“黄金琉璃十二稜镜”,现收藏于奈良的正仓院。
到了十九世纪后半,世界上刮起了一阵和风热潮。在世界各地召开的世界博览会上,日本的七宝受到了世界的好评,它作为日本文化中的精粹被全世界所知。
칠보 구이
그 기원은 오래되었으며, 세계에서 가장 오래된 칠보는 이집트 투탕카멘 마스크의 장식이며, 현존하는 일본 최고의 것으로는 나라지역의 정창원에 보관되어 있는 「황금유리 전배 십이능경」이 유명하다. 그 후, 많은 시대를 거쳐 19세기 후반 쟈포니즘의 움직임이 생기면서 세계 각지에서 개최된 만국 박람회에서 일본의 칠보는 세계적으로 높은 평가를 받아 일본 문화의 꽃으로 세계를 매료시켰다.
Photos by Tohoku Digital Archive