A small workshop located in Arakawa, Tokyo. As you open the door, a quiet warmth welcomes you, and the vibrant colors of Shippou-yaki (cloisonné ware) leap into view. At "Hatakeyama Shippou," they use over 200 colors of glaze and challenge themselves with the advanced technique known as "Totai Shippou (Plique-à-jour)."
While Shippou-yaki (cloisonné ware) from Nagoya and Kyoto is well-known, "Tokyo Shippou (Tokyo Cloisonné)" has uniquely developed, also being utilized in industrial products. How can the charm of Shippou-yaki be conveyed to the modern era and passed on to the next generation? I spoke with Hiroshi Hatakeyama, who has been working with Shippou-yaki for 48 years, to hear his thoughts.
PROFILE
Hiroshi Hatakeyama
Born in Tokyo in 1953. After graduating from university, he began serious training under his father, a Shippou-yaki craftsman. At 28, he succeeded his father and became the second generation. While preserving the traditional techniques of Tokyo Shippou, he focuses on creating accessories that incorporate the unique "Totai Shippou." In 2005, he was recognized as a traditional craftsman of Tokyo. In 2023, he received the 'Modern Master' award from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
Delicate Techniques as the Essence of Tokyo Shippou
What exactly is Tokyo Shippou?
Shippou-yaki is a craft technique created by layering a glass-like glaze over a metal surface and firing it at high temperatures.While typical Shippou-yaki often has raised, three-dimensional finishes, "Tokyo Shippou" is characterized by relatively flat designs.
Additionally, when creating Shippou-yaki, there is a groove on the metal surface for applying the glaze. In standard Shippou-yaki, this groove is about 0.8mm deep, while Tokyo Shippou has only 0.4mm. Because the grooves are shallow, it demands exceptional skill, allowing for the expression of delicate designs.
Can you tell us about the founding of "Hatakeyama Shippou Seisakusyo"?
The father who started this workshop was originally a craftsman making ribbons for medals. However, after the war, as that work disappeared, he encountered Shippou-yaki while searching for a new path. He then apprenticed at Shoji Shippou, honed his skills, and became independent in 1951.Since elementary school, I have helped out with simple tasks like laying out Shippou-yaki on nets to dry. Even as a child, I thought, "Shippou-yaki is beautiful and interesting."
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