Historical Background

(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.

Characteristics

​​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.