Ciondolo superfino / argento bianco

It is an accessory that will not fade away even after 100 years, covered with the finest colors. Since cloisonné is crafted by fusing glass-like glazes onto a metal base, its colors remain vibrant and do not fade semi-permanently. The deep, brilliant hues of Owari cloisonné are unique, achieved only through the delicate layering of glaze and the repetitive firing process at high temperatures. This would be a perfect gift for someone special on an unforgettable day!

When did these crafts start to craft?：200 years ago / 1800AD / Edo period in Japan

There are famous seven treasures in the Buddhist scriptures. Cloisonne enamel ware is called "Shippo" in Japanese word (it means seven treasure) which are named because they were as beautiful as the treasures in the Buddhist scriptures. During the Edo period (1603-1868), cloisonne enamel ware was mainly used to decorate sword fittings, shrines and temples, and nail covers used on castles. Later, modern cloisonne enamel ware began to be used, especially for flat objects such as accessories and school emblems. In fact, cloisonne enamel is also used in our daily lives, for example, in the emblems of sports cars.

Width：16.5mm
Length：30mm
Chain：40cm
Weight：7g

Silver
Copper
glaze
alloy

KATO CLOISONNE STUDIO

"Pursuing the ultimate beauty that fits in the palm of your hand."

I hope you will feel the preciousness of the amazing handiwork packed into a palm-sized piece of art. I hope you will feel even a small part of the heyday of cloisonné enamel art.

ARTISAN STORY

Yoshiro Kato / Kato Cloisonne Studio
A craftsman who has been making Owari cloisonne enamel ware in Aichi Prefecture since 1947. Originally, he wanted to become a modeler involved in car design, but he was so impressed by Namikawa Yasuyuki's work that he decided to take over the family business of cloisonne enamel ware production. Even though the other workshops around him were closing, he continued to produce cloisonne enamel works day after day to keep the tradition alive. He specializes in fine wired cloisonne enamel works such as white plum and bold wireless cloisonne enamel works.

ACHIEVEMENTS

・Designated as a traditional craftsman in 2018

OWARI SHIPPO / OWARI CLOISONNE

About 190 years ago / 1830s / Late Edo Period

Owari cloisonne developed in the early nineteenth century after Kaji Tsunekichi studied imported enamel objects and succeeded in reproducing the process of firing glassy enamel onto metal. During the Meiji era, the Nagoya area became a major center, and highly precise wired cloisonne gained acclaim at international exhibitions.

In Japan, Owari enamel is strongly associated with the brilliant vases, plates and boxes of Meiji decorative art. Contemporary makers continue birds and flowers while applying the same skills to jewelry, watch faces and modern artworks.

Its origin is surprisingly close to reverse engineering. Tradition says Kaji Tsunekichi dismantled an existing foreign enamel object to understand how it had been made. From experimentation with a once-lost technique grew one of Japan’s most celebrated export crafts.

Individual Differences

As each piece is individually handcrafted, slight variations in color, pattern, shape, and texture may occur. These subtle differences are a natural characteristic of handcrafted works, making each piece truly unique. We hope you will enjoy these individual variations as part of the beauty and character of Japanese craftsmanship.

Production Time

If an item is not currently in stock, it may be made to order by the artisan. As each piece is carefully handcrafted, production may take several months depending on the item and the artisan's schedule. We appreciate your patience and understanding.