Artist Details
| Artist | Kin’unken |
|---|---|
| Dates | - |
| Field | Japanese Cloisonné |
| Notable Works | - |
Kin'unken is one of the cloisonné workshops representing Kyoto in the Meiji period. It was founded by the Inaba family and began its full-scale operations around 1889 (Meiji 22).
Receiving high acclaim at international and domestic expositions, it won a prize at the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1900, followed by appointment as Purveyor to the Belgian Royal Household, establishing a high reputation in overseas markets as well. As a workshop representing Kyoto cloisonné, it ranks alongside Namikawa Yasuyuki, producing many works of refined technique and artistic merit.
Its works are still highly regarded today by domestic and international collectors as masterpieces of Kyoto cloisonné.
Kin'unken's works are characterized by elegant designs and superlative cloisonné technique born of Kyoto's refined sensibility. Particularly noteworthy is the way flowers-and-birds motifs and classical patterns are expressed through delicate cloisons and brilliant colors, achieving a world of extraordinary dignity.
Refinement and decorativeness coexist in his works. Highly valued as export works, the design sensibility — conscious of European and American aesthetics — is also superbly refined, making them works that demonstrate the highest standards of Meiji-period Kyoto cloisonné.
(By appointment only)
The texture and depth of color of Japanese cloisonné can only be truly appreciated in person.
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