Tokyo Cloisonne Enamel & Bizen Ware

On an autumn day, changing colors in the mountains.

Autumn is the time when leaves change color and mountains begin to take on a new look.

In the tale of artisans Vol.4 with the theme of “Yosoou”, we introduce two crafts, “Tokyo cloisonne enamel” to delight the eye with its transparent coloring, and “Bizen ware” with its various expressions of kiln transformation.
The two crafts will enrich the autumn season, when interest in beautiful scenery and art is heightened.
Please enjoy yourself as long as time permits.

What is "Tokyo Cloisonne Enamel"?

It is said to have been introduced to Japan from China via the Silk Road.
Later in Japan, it developed in various regions, including Kyo cloisonne enamel, Owari cloisonne enamel, and Kaga cloisonne enamel. The founder of Tokyo cloisonne enamel was Hikoshiro Hirata, who worked as an official cloisonne enamel maker for the shogunate in the Edo period and left behind masterpieces such as sword guard.
Tokyo cloisonne enamel, also known as “Metal cloisonne enamel”, is made by placing a glassy glaze on a metal base called a “Tai” (body), firing it at high temperatures and polishing it repeatedly to produce a pattern.

What is "Bizen Ware"?

Bizen ware is also known as “flame art.” The pottery differs from other pottery in that it is fired without glaze or painting. Therefore, the kiln changes by chance, caused by the clay and the ashes that fall on the pottery in the kiln, and natural patterns are drawn.
The kiln changes in a variety of patterns, such as goma,” which looks as if it were studded with sesame seeds, “sangiri,” which is a grayish-blue or dark gray color, and “hidasuki,” which is a reddish-brown stripe pattern created by a chemical reaction between the alkali content of straw and the iron content of the clay.

Tale of Artisans Vol.4 "Yosoou"

Shiba district in Tokyo is a place where you can still feel the wind of Edo-era. Shiba Park Hotel is a good old hotel that has weaved its way through time in harmony with the traditions and culture of this area. Shiba Park Hotel is also a library hotel with a diverse collection of books. We hold an exhibition called “Tale of Artisans” which tell stories of traditions (tales) that they have developed and nurtured.

Date

September 5 (Mon.) – November 27 (Sun.), 2022

Time

11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Place

1F Library Lounge / 2F Foyer Book & Culture

Price

Admission Free

Curator: Nipponnowaza.com
(Managed by Braincafe Co., Ltd.)

Tokyo Cloisonne Enamel & Bizen Ware

On an autumn day, changing colors in the mountains.

What is "Tokyo Cloisonne Enamel"?

What is "Bizen Ware"?

Shiba Park Hotel Book & Culture

Tale of Artisans Vol.4 "Yosoou"