The V&A first acquired Japanese cloisonné enamels from the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1867. Here we present a potted history of the development of this fascinating and beautiful decorative technique in Japan.
Japanese cloisonné: an introduction
Background to Japanese Cloisonné, a method of decoratively enamelling an object.
Read article
Japanese cloisonné manufacture
Japanese cloisonné manufacture, a time-consuming and detailed enamelling technique.
Read article
History of cloisonné enamels in Japan 1838-1871
With the exception of an enamelled mirror in the collection of the Shōsōin, the repository of Imperial treasures in…
Read article
History of cloisonné in Japan 1871 - today
In 1871 the Nagoya Cloisonné Company was established at Toshima. Their technological advances resulted in the compa…
Read article
Japanese cloisonné in 19th century literary sources
Western literary references to Japanese cloisonné enamel manufacture and design.
Read article
Collecting Japanese cloisonné enamels at the V&A
Collecting Japanese cloisonné enamels at the V&A
Read article
Japanese ceramic styles
From 1659, Japan's fledgling blue and white export industry flourished. However, it was Japan's innovative, colourful wares that provoked a European frenzy in the 1680s.
Japanese masks reading list
Recommended reading about Japanese Masks
Japanese tea ceremony reading list
Recommended reading about Japanese Tea Ceremony
Review of MA Paper Conservation: Japanese prints
As part of an MA in Paper Conservation, I studied traditional Japanese prints, known as ukiyo-e prints. These were mainly produced in Edo (central Tokyo today) and Osaka, between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries.
Japanese netsuke reading list
Recommended reading about Japanese Netsuke
British Design 1948–2012: Innovation in the Modern Age
31 March–12 August 2012
Showcasing over 300 British design objects, this exhibition celebrates the best of British post-war art and design from the 1948 ‘Austerity Games' to the summer of 2012.
More detailsShop online
Japanese Cloisonne Enamels
Highlights of the V&A's extensive collection. Accompanies a V&A exhibition.
Buy nowEvent - Japanese Enamels: The Seven Treasures
Tue 14 June 2011–Fri 11 November 2011
DISPLAY: Combining gems from the V&A's collection with the Edwin Davies Gift of cloisonné enamels, this display presents a rounded picture of one of Japan’s most exquisite art forms. View over 120 objects dating from the late 17th to the 20th century.
