Japanese Cloisonne (V&a Far Eastern) [Hardcover]

Gregory Irvine (Author)

Book Description

Series: V&a Far Eastern | Publication Date: May 1, 2006

By the late 19th century, cloisonné enamels were among Japan's most successful exports. This visually stunning book, filled with new research and abundantly illustrated with specially commissioned photographs, examines the techniques and social history behind the craft.

Drawing on the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection, Japanese Cloisonné charts the development of the technique. Also featured is a catalogue of the previously unseen, world-class private collection of Edwin Davis, which includes both enamels produced during cloisonné's "golden age," around 1880 to 1910, as well as more experimental objects enameled in recent years, which reproduce the effects of porcelain or painting.

Here is a timely introduction to a sought-after collectible, as well as a revealing look at treasures from two outstanding collections.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gregory Irvine is curator in the V&A's Asian department, where he specializes in Japanese metalwork. The author of The Japanese Sword, the Soul of the Samurai, he lives in London.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Victoria & Albert Museum (May 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1851774823
• ISBN-13: 978-1851774821
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 8.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,640,271 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Superb cloisonne photographs, excellent signature photos, July 6, 2006

By 

David B. Searles II - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Japanese Cloisonne (V&a Far Eastern) (Hardcover)

A beautiful and somewhat varied collection, with excellent background information. If the exhibit had greater variety, and a little less focus on Ando in favor of other artists who are not represented, it would provide the perfect reference as it almost does. It would also be nice to see some representation of recent common products to aid in differential identification with Meiji, Taisho and Showa period wares. A must buy for the Japanese cloisonne afficionado nonetheless.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Handsome and useful, April 14, 2008

By 

Charles R. Beaudrot - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Japanese Cloisonne (V&a Far Eastern) (Hardcover)

I found this to be a handsome and helpful book. Well written with great photographs. Very useful to the collector or the student of Japanese Cloisonne. Chuck

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent resource for collectors and others, January 10, 2009

By 

James W. Clark - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Japanese Cloisonne (V&a Far Eastern) (Hardcover)

As collectors we found the book an exceptional resource. The artwork alone (excellent color prints of various objects created in Japan over the decades) makes this an excellent value. The book shows the development of this art form in Japan since its introduction and includes numerous objects from museum collections or of museum quality. An excellent addition to antique collector or art book collections (our library includes both).