Japanese Cloisonné Vase
Waterfall

by Namikawa Yasuyuki

Japanese Decorative Art, Gallery 26

This wonderful cloisonné enamel vase was made by the fine Japanese artist-craftsman Namikawa Yasuyuki, in Kyoto, shortly before he retired in 1915. It represents the culmination of his skill acquired over a lifetime.

Namikawa Yasuyuki
Originally a minor courtier, Yasuyuki taught himself the art of cloisonné (according to his sister) in his bedroom. After studying with another craftsman, he set up his own studio in the 1870s, and became the most celebrated of the makers who specialised in fine wire technique. This marks a dichotomy from those makers, such as Sosuke or Kumeno Teitaro, who attempted to hide the wire, in order to make a cloisonné ‘picture’ (see adjoining case).

His style has not survived; economic changes meant that such meticulous and very expensive craftsmanship was no longer in demand, for buyers were content with a cheaper substitute of lower quality. No-one can imitate this style today.