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.
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Japanese cloisonné manufacture
Japanese cloisonné manufacture, a time-consuming and detailed enamelling technique.
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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 Nara, there are few early examples of Japanese enamellin…
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History of cloisonné in Japan 1871 - today
In 1871 the Nagoya Cloisonné Company was established at Toshima. Their technological advances resulted in the company winning a first prize at the Vienna Exhibition of 1873…
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Japanese cloisonné in 19th century literary sources
Western literary references to Japanese cloisonné enamel manufacture and design.
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Collecting Japanese cloisonné enamels at the V&A
Collecting Japanese cloisonné enamels at the V&A
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Buy or Renew Membership OnlineEvent - Japanese Enamels: The Seven Treasures
Tue 14 June 2011–Sun 19 August 2012
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.
