Clematis Motif Cloisonné Vase with Silver Rim Artist: Yukio Tamura 田村幸夫 Medium: Enamel on copper with silver rims Technique: Japanese Cloisonné (Shippo-yaki 七宝焼) - About the Work This exquisite vase, titled Clematis Motif Cloisonné Vase with Silver Rim, was created by the Japanese enamel artist Yukio Tamura, under the supervision of Shobido, a long-established Osaka atelier renowned for its fine jewelry and art objects. Set against a soft ivory ground, the vessel is adorned with blooming clematis flowers in deep indigo and pale jade hues. Each petal, leaf, and vine is meticulously outlined with delicate gold wires — a hallmark of traditional shippo-yaki (Japanese cloisonné) craftsmanship. The silver rims at the mouth and base lend a quiet radiance that harmonizes beautifully with the gentle luminosity of the enamel surface. The work exemplifies Tamura’s refined pursuit of serene beauty and modern grace, uniting traditional Japanese aesthetics with exquisite technical precision. - About Cloisonné (Shippo-yaki 七宝焼) Shippo-yaki, or Japanese cloisonné enamel, is a traditional craft that combines artistry, chemistry, and metalwork. The term shippo (七宝) literally means “seven treasures,” referring to the brilliant, jewel-like colors that characterize this art form. Introduced to Japan during the Edo period, shippo-yaki reached its height in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Japanese enamelware gained international acclaim for its subtle color gradations and perfect finish. The process involves affixing fine gold or silver wires onto a metal surface to create partitions (cloisons). These are filled with powdered glass enamels of various hues, then fired multiple times at high temperatures. After each firing, the surface is polished to a mirror-like sheen, resulting in a smooth, translucent finish that appears to glow from within. This meticulous, multi-stage process requires exceptional patience and precision — qualities that define the finest examples of Japanese cloisonné. - About the Artist Yukio Tamura (1933–2009) was a third-generation master of Tamura Shippo Kogei, a renowned cloisonné enamel workshop based in Shippō Town (now Ama City), Aichi Prefecture — a region long celebrated for its enamel artistry. Trained under his grandfather and the celebrated enamelist Tatsukichi Fujii, Tamura became one of the leading successors of the Japanese cloisonné tradition. As a regular member of the Japan Kōgeikai (Japan Art Crafts Association), he exhibited widely in national and regional craft competitions and received numerous honors. His works were collected by public institutions — notably, a piece purchased by the Aichi Prefectural Government in 1962 was presented to the Shah of Iran, and another was acquired by the Imperial Household Agency in 1975. Throughout his distinguished career, Tamura sought to convey the enduring beauty of cloisonné in contemporary life. His creations — vases, incense burners, and water jars — embody the quiet harmony between craftsmanship, light, and natural form. - Specifications Height: 28 cm Width: 22 cm Rim Diameter: 8.5 cm Weight: 2,300 g Period: Circa late 20th century (Showa period) Condition: Excellent. No chips, cracks, or repairs. The enamel retains its full luster and the silver rims are untarnished. - Shipping Information Items are shipped from Japan via DHL or Japan Post. A tracking number will be provided once dispatch is complete. Please note that under-declaring item value or marking as a gift is not possible. Import duties, taxes, and fees are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the responsibility of the buyer. Please check with your local customs office before purchasing. - Summary This work represents the harmonious fusion of art, technique, and tradition that defines Japanese cloisonné. Through Yukio Tamura’s steady hand and serene vision, the timeless radiance of shippo-yaki finds new life — a quiet masterpiece where metal, fire, and glass unite to express enduring Japanese elegance.