Part 2: The Quest for Color and Firing—Contemporary Master Craftsman Hiroshi Hatakeyama on the Profound World of Tokyo Shippo

2026.02.09

#Artisan

#Contemporary Master Craftsman

#Tokyo

#Traditional Craft

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#History

Resisting Erasure - When Form and Dye Meet in Textiles（Hannah Waldron）

From practical items like car emblems and school crests to stunning artworks in museums, the Tokyo Shippo enamelware created by Hiroshi Hatakeyama has a unique way of captivating people while seamlessly blending into everyday life.

The essence of shippoyaki (Japanese cloisonné) is color. The challenge lies in achieving a pure, untainted white and a vibrant red that doesn't darken to black. Through repeated cycles of firing in flames reaching several hundred degrees and meticulous polishing, everything comes down to that perfect moment in the kiln.

In this installment, we delve into Hatakeyama's journey of deepening skill and relentless exploration, from his designation as a Contemporary Master Craftsman to his mastery of the self-developed "plique-à-jour" technique.

Becoming a Contemporary Master Craftsman

After receiving the "Tokyo Meister" award from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Hatakeyama was also honored as a Contemporary Master Craftsman. He admits, however, that he was initially taken aback. "Am I really the right person for this?" he wondered.

"My work focuses more on practical items like car emblems, company insignias, and school crests than on one-of-a-kind art pieces. So, I wasn't sure if it was okay for someone like me to receive this honor for that kind of work."

Nevertheless, he felt a profound sense of validation that his lifelong dedication was being recognized. Winning the Governor of Tokyo's Award at the "Tokyo Teshigoto" project was a particularly significant confidence boost.