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Akagawa Yoshihiro at work on a Kyoto cloisonné piece

Yoshihiro Akagawa

赤川吉洋

Creator Feature

1. A leading master of Kyoto cloisonné (Kyo-shippo), honored for merit in traditional craft techniques.

2. A rare artisan who handles every stage, from shaping the metal base to the final polish.

3. Vivid, rainbow-like colors in glass enamel that do not fade, made to be used for a lifetime.

Two Kyoto cloisonné panels of the wind god and thunder god in a red frame
Kyoto cloisonné panel of a red Mount Fuji in a gold frame

Creator Description

Cloisonné is an ancient art form with a history spanning thousands of years, involving the application of glass-like enamel glazes onto metal surfaces. Among the various styles of cloisonné, Kyoto Cloisonné, which blossomed in Kyoto—a focal point of Japanese culture—can be considered a shining star. Among the artisans preserving this tradition in Kyoto, there are only a few who possess over half a century of experience. Yoshihiro Akagawa is one of these exceptional craftsmen, renowned for his outstanding expertise.

One remarkable aspect of Akagawa's skills is his mastery of every stage of cloisonné production, from creating the base to the final polishing—a level of comprehensive knowledge that goes beyond the traditional division of labor. This allows him to craft intricate designs, patterns, and colors with unparalleled creative freedom, akin to a mandala. The beauty of his cloisonné work is unsurpassed in terms of color, luster, and detail. Pieces adorned with a rainbow of enamels radiate a magnificent spectrum of colors and a captivating shine that becomes even more enchanting the farther one steps back. His creations resemble exuberant flowers and even evoke the imagery of a vivid rainbow.

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