“Yusen Shippo” Wired Cloisonné Experience – Learn from a Kyoto Cloisonné Enamel Master Artisan

Inheritance of aesthetic sense, "Kyo-Shippo: Kyoto Cloisonné Enamel".

"Cloisonné" is a metal craft that is decorated by baking a glassy glaze over a metal base such as silver or copper.

Its origins are said to date back to pre-Christian Egypt, and Kyoto Cloisonné Enamel flourished in the second half of the 16th century with the application of cloisonné to ornaments at temples and shrines.

In this experience, you will be able to learn authentic techniques of Kyoto's traditional crafts, which have come to be highly regarded around the world for their rich colors and beautiful transparency.

How about experiencing Kyoto’s aesthetic sense while creating your own shining and beautiful piece?

・Private experience
・Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Sharing Kyoto guide interpreting in English
・Local meeting and local breakup

◎ Wired Cloisonné experience fee (including materials)
◎ English Interpretation
△ Extended hours fee (5,000 yen per hour)
*No additional charge for less than 30 minutes of extension.
✖ Food and Drinks, Transportation costs

Create a unique piece with your original design!
You will learn the full-scale, authentic technique of Wired Cloisonné, from cutting out the base material to forming a pattern using metal wire, firing, applying glaze, and firing again.
You can take your completed work home with you on the same day.
*Due to time constraints, this experience does not include hand-polishing with a real whetstone, but you will be taught the process.

◇Flow of the experience:

9:30 Meeting and introduction
Instructor’s self-introduction and presentation of her works
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9:40 Explanation of traditional Wired Cloisonné
General explanations of the experience’s different steps, as well as of the materials and tools to be used.
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10:00 Cut a sheet of pure silver into the shape you want and fire the base.
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11:00 Apply a pattern to the base with metal wire and fire it.
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12:00 Glaze and fire the patterned frame (the process of glazing and firing is repeated twice)
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13:00 Polishing, shaping, and final firing of the completed piece.
　　 Finish by adding your favorite accessory fittings.
　　*You can take home your completed work.
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13:30 End of the experience

□Instructor: Takayo Konishi
Engaged in the production of Kyoto Cloisonné Enamel for 28 years, she studied under Kyoto Cloisonné Enamel artist Hiromi Nomura and has taught the technique to many students in order to promote Kyoto's traditional crafts. As the manager of the Higashiyama store, she is working actively to make more people aware of the appeal of Kyoto Cloisonné Enamel.
A member of the Contemporary Craft Artists Association, founded in 1961, she is also a leading contemporary craft artist, playing an active role in Japan’s contemporary craft activities. She will help you understand the various techniques and expressions used in Cloisonné Enamel art.

□Instructor: Maiko Muroi
Engaged in the production of Kyoto Cloisonné Enamel for 10 years, she studied under the Kyoto Cloisonné Enamel artist Hiromi Nomura. While inheriting Hiromi Art’s Kyoto Cloisonné Enamel, which is characterized by its transparency and depth of color, she continues to create with tradition and innovation at the core of her work.
By deepening connections with the younger generation, she is actively engaged in activities aimed at promoting and revitalizing traditional crafts.

2014: Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts, Graduate School of Fine Arts, Master's degree in metal engraving
2023: Appointed as the 28th Chairman of the Kyoto Traditional Industry Wakaba Association

・Please book at least 3 business days in advance so that we can build the best experience for you.
・The reservation will be confirmed upon a reply from Sharing Kyoto.
・Applicants must be at least 18 years old to apply. Minors must obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before applying.
・Participation of children under 6 years old can be discussed. Please consult with us. Elementary school students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
・The experience may be canceled or postponed at short notice, or the content may be changed due to traffic conditions, etc.
・The experience may be filmed and posted on social networking sites or used in articles.
・We may share your responses to surveys and reviews on our social networking sites and media.

・Free of charge if canceled up to 3 days before the tour date, 50% 2 days before, and 100% the day before or on the day of the tour.
・Special Cases (Natural disaster,virus, etc.): Full refund
・Transfer fees for refunds in the event of cancellation will be borne by the customer.