 Cloisonne
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Shippoyaki (cloisonne) has been part of the world of Japanese art for
hundreds of years. The earliest example is in the Asuka Period in the
latter part of the 6th century.
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In this art, thin strips of wire, or metal strips, are attached to a
metal base in the form of cells, which create the form desired for the
object. Then enamel glass is put into the cells thus made. The object
is then put into an oven to melt the glass. Then, they are polished until
the wires can be seen. The wires can be of brass, silver, or gold, which
adds much to the beauty of each item created.
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There are many examples of this ancient art everywhere in Japan. In
the 17th century, it became very popular, and spread all over the country.
This was in the Edo Era. Several artistic pieces are credited to the Momoyama
Period, which I call the Golden Age of Art in Japan. This period was short,
but magnificent! Due to the intricacy of the work, there is some doubt
about several beautiful pieces being made in Japan, however.
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It is supposed that they originated in China. Both China and Korea had
used this art before Japan adopted it from artists coming to this country
. Many of those people came during the time of the Land Pulling Legend.
Perhaps that was around 622. This was a time of turmoil in Korea and China.
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1634 is the earliest time that pieces of cloisonne have been credited
to the Edo Era. Before that time, many pieces were made, but the makers
names are unknown, as was customary in those ancient times. The Shosoin
treasury in Nara, has a mirror that is dated around 750 AD. There is little
doubt that the art of shippo, was known, and used, in Japan in the 8th
century. Objects decorated with shippo are numerous: door pulls, nail
covers, hibachi (a place for a charcoal fire), coal tongs, wine cups,
sword fittings, water droppers for inkstones, furniture handles, and dozens
of other things.
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It is a much loved part of Japanese art. Probably the best shippo was
made in the early 18th century. After that, there was a decline in this
art, but it was revived, and is gaining again in popularity. In fact,
there are hobby groups all over the world, who are taking up this ancient
art. They are producing interesting, and beautiful objects for use and
decoration around the house, as well as jewelry. Wouldn't you like to
try this? It might be a lot of fun.
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