Hokusai Wave Cufflinks & Tie bar set - Red

Hokusai Wave Cloisonné

This design is inspired by the famous woodblock print The Great Wave off Kanagawa by Katsushika Hokusai, one of the prints from the iconic ukiyo-e series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji.

Crafted using the traditional technique of Tokyo Shippo (Tokyo Cloisonné), the powerful wave motif is carefully expressed in enamel, creating a refined and distinctive accessory.

【History of Tokyo Cloisonné】

Cloisonné is a traditional craft in which colored enamel powder (glass) is applied to a base of metals such as gold, silver, or copper, then fired at high temperatures to create a smooth, vibrant surface.

The history of Tokyo cloisonné dates back to the early Edo period. It is said that Hikoshiro Hirata learned cloisonné techniques from Korean artisans and developed methods of coloring recessed designs. He later became a cloisonné craftsman serving the Tokugawa shogunate and produced many notable works.

In 1873, the new Meiji government commissioned the Mint Bureau (now the Japan Mint) to produce national decorations. Haruyuki Hirata, head of the Hirata cloisonné workshop, created a prototype that became Japan’s first decoration, the Order of the Rising Sun.

Today, this traditional technique continues to be used to create a wide range of items, including jewelry and accessories. These pieces carry on that heritage and showcase the craftsmanship of skilled Japanese artisans.