Japanese cloisonné (shippō) is a traditional Japanese decorative art pioneered in the late Edo period by Kaji Tsunekichi.
Vitreous enamel is applied like paint to the surface of a metal or ceramic body and fired at high temperature, yielding intricate patterns and luminous colors. Today, these works are recognized as chōzetsu-gikō (transcendent craftsmanship) — a virtuosity that can no longer be reproduced.
Ginza Shinseido offers only the very finest — shigoku-ippin.
Our inventory features the rarest, most exceptional examples of Meiji cloisonné available today.
Ginza Shinseido contributes to the preservation and study of Meiji decorative arts through ongoing loans from our collection to museums.
Works that have been featured in museum exhibitions are at times available for acquisition. We welcome your inquiry.
(By appointment only)
The texture and depth of color of Japanese cloisonné can only be truly appreciated in person.
To plan your visit, please request an appointment below.
Please note: to ensure the highest quality of service,
same-day appointments and walk-in visits cannot be accommodated.
The Kyoto Master Who Elevated Meiji Cloisonné to an Art Form
The Tokyo Master Who Pioneered Wireless Cloisonné
The Pioneer Who Laid the Foundations of Meiji Cloisonné
Even among the Meiji-period decorative arts known collectively as chōzetsu-gikō (transcendent craftsmanship), Japanese cloisonné stands out for the sheer number of stages in its production — each demanding exceptional technical mastery.
Built up through layer upon layer of vitreous enamel and worked over fine gold or silver wires (cloisons), Japanese cloisonné is truly a "jewel for display" — a work of art as precious as any gemstone.
Reproducing Meiji-period cloisonné is widely considered impossible with modern techniques.
There are cases, however, in which a famous artist's signature has been added retroactively to genuine but originally unsigned Meiji-period pieces.
At Ginza Shinseido, we apply our own exacting standards, examining each work down to the finest details — the artist's stylistic characteristics, the calligraphic style of the signature, its size, and how the placement of the signature varies across the artist's working periods.
Only works that meet these standards enter our inventory. You can rest assured of the authenticity of every piece we offer.
Several factors come into play: the artist or workshop, the level of technical accomplishment, the condition of the piece, and its rarity. Even works from the same period and within the same category each possess their own distinct character — and their own distinct value.
At Ginza Shinseido, we always provide a detailed account of each work's condition — including any damage or prior restoration — before sale. You may purchase with complete confidence.
While our gallery operates by appointment only, making an appointment does not commit you to a purchase.
We warmly welcome visits made purely to view our works.
For collectors at a distance, we are happy to provide detailed photographs and additional information upon request.
We are committed to addressing any concerns so that your decision can be made with full confidence.
Our journal offers an in-depth look at the history of Japanese cloisonné and Meiji craftsmanship, and at the legacies of its master artisans.
Discover the living beauty behind each work.
