Diana Farah

DUBAI: An Owari Cloisonne workshop took place in three emirates in the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah as part of the series of events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the UAE.

Hosted by the Embassy of Japan in the UAE, the Lecture and Demonstration on Owari Cloisonne: A Japanese Traditional Art took place in the three emirates from Oct. 11 to 13.

The seminar was given by Shigeyuki Ando, President of Ando Cloisonne, a Japanese glassware company founded in 1880 at Nagoya City. Takayuki Ikeda, a renowned artisan of Owari Cloisonne, demonstrated the painting of motifs live on cloisonne wares.

Ras Al Khaimah

On Oct. 13, the seminar took place at the Ras Al Khaimah Creative Hun – Suhaim with both Shigeyuki and Ikeda participating as lecturers, showing off the cloisonne art to attendees from across the emirate.

RYUNO Shoji, Japan’s Deputy Chief of Mission, gave a speech mentioning the importance of the Japanese traditional craft. He also celebrated the fact that it was the 50^th year anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Japan.

The Director of Ras Al Khaimah’s Creative Center Moza Al Masafri attended the seminar, along with many Emirati volunteers from the UAE’s Federal Youth Authority.

Dubai

In Dubai on Oct. 12, Consul-General SEKIGUCHI Noboru was in attendance at the Dubai Design District.

The diplomat gave a speech at the beginning of the seminar, noting the importance of organizing cultural events showcasing Japanese arts and traditions. He also remarked that the event was part of the 50^th year anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Japan.

A networking event for all attendees was organized by the Embassy, giving a chance for everyone to connect over their love for Japanese art and culture.

Abu Dhabi

On Oct. 11, In the capital of the UAE, Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, attended a similar seminar, along with other diplomats and Japanese culture enthusiasts.

The lecture explored the art and history of this special Japanese enamel ware with colorful designs, as well as efforts to transform the tradition into contemporary productions that can be used in our modern life.

Attendees also watched as artist Ikeda demonstrated his skillset on a sample vase.

“Owari Cloisonne” ware is a ceramic glazed metallic ware with a silver streak. The creation of it began with a manufacturing method of cloisonne ware in Japan in early 19th century. Till today, the cloisonne has been made by using the same traditional techniques and materials that has been passed down from generation to generation by expert artisans.