Art Time-Traveller

All Small Things Are Beautiful (1x11)

: 11, 2015

Japanese art is known for its extremely detailed decoration, especially on small surfaces and objects. For modern Japanese women, this aesthetic is enjoyed in the form of the "nail art". Not limited to Japan, top nail artists have gained strong followings among actresses and singers around the world. A century ago, there was another genre of art characterized by fine detail and color. This art, known as cloisonné, was led by Kyoto-based artist Namikawa Yasuyuki who captivated collectors around the world with his astonishingly detailed designs and use of color. Throughout the long history of cloisonné, originating in ancient Egypt, the refined works of Namikawa have remained popular. But with the industrialization of Japan in the 20th century, this time-consuming art gradually disappeared, making it difficult to reproduce Namikawa's works in modern times. In this episode, popular Japanese nail artist Naoko Takano encounters Namikawa's cloisonné for the first time, and takes her inspiration to her latest nail art design.