The 1830s marked the beginning of a renaissance in Japanese cloisonné production. Though small objects incorporating enamels were produced in Japan prior to the 19th century, a new generation of artisans developed techniques that enabled the creation of three-dimensional vessels, greater flexibility in surface design, and a number of different enameling styles. During the “golden age” of Japanese cloisonné production (approximately 1880–1910), intricate decorations, sophisticated use of color, expanding varieties of form, and flawless surface finishes became the hallmarks of Japanese cloisonné wares.

Polished to Perfection presents approximately 150 works from the collection of Donald K. Gerber and Sueann E. Sherry. Built over the course of more than four decades, the collection contains works crafted by the most accomplished Japanese cloisonné masters of the time including Namikawa Yasuyuki (1845–1927), Namikawa Sōsuke (1847–1919), Hayashi Kodenji (1831–1915), and Kawade Shibatarō (1856–1921). The artists represented in this exhibition raised the art of cloisonné enamel to a level of unparalleled technical and artistic perfection.