Namikawa Cloisonné Museum, Art and biographical museum in Higashiyama-ku, Japan
The Namikawa Cloisonné Museum is an art museum housed in a traditional Japanese building from 1894 dedicated to enamel work. The collection contains roughly 130 pieces of cloisonné art, crafting tools, and sketches that document the working process and artistic development.
The museum was founded by master craftsman Namikawa Yasuyuki, a leading enamel artisan who lived from 1845 to 1927 and set new standards for Japanese decorative arts. His work developed during the Meiji period, when Japan merged Western techniques with traditional methods.
The building itself shows a blend of Japanese and Western influences, with imported glass sliding doors and raised lintels in the reception area. Visitors can see how traditional Japanese spaces were combined with modern elements from the time it was built.
The museum sits three minutes from Higashiyama Station, making it easy to reach by public transport. Visitors should note that the displayed works are fragile and interior spaces can feel tight, so it helps to visit during quieter times.
An adjacent garden designed by renowned landscaper Jihei Ogawa VII enriches the visit with a carp pond and stone lanterns. These garden features are visible from inside through glass sliding doors and offer a peaceful outdoor view during the tour.
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