Akira Shibata (柴田明), Japanese, b. 1942

A Blue Cloisonné Enamel Flower Vase with Silver Rim (有線七宝 花文 青地 花瓶 純銀覆輪)

1980 

About the work

An exceptionally refined Japanese cloisonné enamel vase by Akira Shibata, created in 1980. The tall, gently tapering vessel is decorated using the traditional yūsen shippō (有線七宝) technique, in which fine metal wires delineate individual elements of the design before the compartments are filled with coloured enamels and repeatedly fired.

The body is covered with a striking geometric floral composition of stylised red blossoms arranged against a rich cobalt blue ground. Fine metal wires precisely articulate the petals and leaves, forming an intricate repeating network across the surface. The vivid red enamel provides a dramatic contrast to the saturated blue, while subtle tonal variations within the flowers lend depth and visual richness to the highly ordered design.

The elegant elongated form provides a restrained backdrop for the elaborate decoration. A polished pure silver rim encircles the mouth, providing a refined finishing detail that complements the delicate metallic outlines of the cloisonné work. The precision of the wirework, consistency of the enamel surfaces and complexity of the repeating pattern demonstrate the considerable technical control required to execute yūsen shippō at this level.

The work is accompanied by its original signed wooden storage box (tomobako).

Dimensions

26.9cm(h) x 12.5cm(w)

Footnote

Akira Shibata (柴田明) was born in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, in 1942. After graduating from Aichi Prefectural Seto Ceramics High School, he joined the renowned Ando Cloisonné Company, founded in 1880, where he developed his mastery of traditional and modern cloisonné techniques. Shibata specialises in yūsen shippō and personally undertakes every stage of production, from design and preparation of the metal body to wire application, enamelling, firing and polishing. Since 1970, his works have been consistently selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, where he has received awards and also served as a judge. He is recognised as one of Japan's leading contemporary cloisonné enamel artists.