Artist Details
| Artist | Kumeno Teitarō |
|---|---|
| Dates | 1863–1939 |
| Field | Japanese Cloisonné |
Kumeno Teitarō was one of the foremost masters representing Owari cloisonné, active from the Meiji period through the early Shōwa era. He studied cloisonné techniques from childhood, earning high acclaim for his exceptional mastery of cloisons and refined chromatic expression.
Beginning with the Paris Exposition Universelle in 1889 (Meiji 22), he won numerous awards at international fairs, including the Grand Prize at the St. Louis World's Fair and a Gold Medal at the Liège International Exposition. His works are characterized by exquisite compositions described as virtuoso craftsmanship (chōzetsu-gikō) and graceful designs, and they continue to be highly valued by collectors and connoisseurs in Japan and abroad.
He was one of the masters who contributed greatly to the development of modern cloisonné art.
Renowned for his astonishingly minute cloisons work, Kumeno is highly regarded as one of the most virtuosic technicians in the history of cloisonné. Using silver wires as fine as a strand of hair, he depicted flowers, birds, and landscapes with extraordinary precision, refusing any compromise down to the smallest detail.
His works combine an overwhelming density of information with refined dignity — the closer one looks, the more astonishing the technical mastery becomes. Acclaimed at international and domestic exhibitions alike, he remains an indispensable presence when speaking of the pinnacle of Meiji Owari cloisonné today, attracting continued attention from enthusiasts and researchers.
(By appointment only)
The texture and depth of color of Japanese cloisonné can only be truly appreciated in person.
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