Japanese Enamels: A Suggestion of Endless Patience

Discover Japanese enamels selected from a substantial gift from Edwin Davies, CBE (1946 – 2018) and those subsequently acquired through his generous funding. Mr Davies, one of the Museum’s most generous benefactors and a Trustee from 2007 to 2014, was captivated by the superb craftsmanship of Japanese enamels and encouraged the promotion of this refined art form.

In The Studio of 1910, Professor Harada Jirō referred to Japanese enamels as having ‘a suggestion of endless patience’ in their production. These exquisite enamels reveal the technical and artistic expertise evident in works from the Meiji period (1868-1912) through to that of contemporary makers.