Ando Shippo - Ando Cloisonne – cufflinks

The Charm of Cloisonné Ware

Owari cloisonné ware (wired cloisonné) is a traditional Japanese craft made by firing colored glass enamel onto metal. Its history began in the Tenpō era when Tsunekichi Kaji discovered a method for producing cloisonné ware.

In the late 19th century, advances in glaze technology and manufacturing methods led to remarkable improvements in quality. At the same time, Japanese art gained international recognition, especially in the West, and cloisonné ware received numerous awards at world expositions as one of Japan’s most admired crafts.

Ando Cloisonné, founded in 1880 (the 13th year of the Meiji era), has received many awards since its establishment and was appointed a purveyor to the Imperial Household Agency in 1900. The company continues to preserve traditional techniques while passing down the refined beauty of cloisonné to future generations.

Through the many intricate steps involved in the process, skilled craftsmen devote great care and expertise to create each piece of cloisonné ware.