600 years of beautiful tradition, 100 years of shining Kyoto cloisonné

Shippo ware is a traditional craft technique that dates back to the Muromachi period. Shippo is used on the handles of the Nakashoin study of Katsura Imperial Villa, among other things. It is made by firing a special glassy substance called "shippo glaze," which produces a variety of colors. Its diverse brilliance and intricate decorations are said to be as beautiful as gold, silver, and lapis lazuli, hence the name "shippo." Keiko Yamamoto of Yamamoto Bijutsu, who created the Kanzashi-ya Wargo hairpin in collaboration with us, shared her thoughts on Kyoto Shippo.

What is the world-famous "Kyoto Shippo"?

Kyoto cloisonné flourished in harmony with metalwork and Kyoto ware techniques against the backdrop of the Rinpa school, which was all the rage from the Muromachi period to the early Edo period. It was established by master cloisonné artist Namikawa Yasuyuki, who was an unsuccessful cloisonné artist and opened a workshop in Sanjo, Kyoto, during the Meiji period, and the name of Kyoto cloisonné spread throughout the world.

The love for cloisonné ware brings out the beauty of tradition

Keiko Yamamoto, a Kyoto cloisonné artisan, learned the craft through self-study while working as a Kyoto cloisonné salesperson. She continues to innovate daily, incorporating the techniques she has seen and heard about. She has a career spanning over 30 years. Her passion for Kyoto cloisonné ware motivates her. "I want to get even a little closer to the techniques of my ancestors." Her passion for craftsmanship has led her to create over seven design books, drawing inspiration from Japanese and Western architecture and artworks. "I hope as many people as possible will use cloisonné and discover the beauty of cloisonné, whose color and quality remain unchanged even after 100 years." A new aesthetic sense is harnessing the traditional beauty of Kyoto cloisonné. This passion is embodied in the Kanzashi (hairpins) she created in collaboration with Kanzashi-ya Wargo, a company that aims to create kanzashi (hairpins) that are both traditional and easy to enjoy in modern everyday life.

Profile of Keiko Yamamoto, Yamamoto Art

Born in Kyoto in 1963. Worked at Inaba Shippo Co., Ltd. Married to her husband (Yamamoto Bijutsu Zogan Seisakusho). After Inaba Shippo closed down, she started manufacturing cloisonné and changed the company name to Yamamoto Bijutsu Co., Ltd. She has been manufacturing cloisonné for about 30 years. She is a member of the Kyoto Shippo Association, and remains so to this day.

What did you think? I felt that Yamamoto's passion is in line with Wargo's modern take on the traditional Japanese hair accessory, the Kanzashi. I encourage you to try incorporating the gorgeous sparkle of Kyo Shippo into your everyday style.