Japanese Cloisonne: The Seven Treasures

The production of Japanese cloisonne enamels had, by the end of the 19th century, become one of the country's most successful forms of manufacture and export. Using examples drawn from two collections, this book examines the techniques and social history behind the craft.
As well as being a showcase for beautiful examples of cloisonne work, this book shows how the interaction between East and West played a key role in production. The craft of cloisonne enamelling grew from long established traditions of Japanese metalwork but was expanded further with the help of western technical expertise and demand was stimulated by the strong export market. It has been the continuing popularity and appreciation of the craft in the west that has lead to its re-evaluation in Japan and the increasing acknowledgement of its importance for understanding Japan's artistic traditions.
This book will serve as an introduction to the full range of Japanese cloisonne enamels, as well as revealing to collectors and scholars treasures from two outstanding collections.

Gregory Irvine is Senior Curator in the V&A's Asian Department.