Description
Japanese cloisonné enamel vase in the manner of Ota Tameshiro, dating to the Meiji period circa 1900. The vase is of unusual pentagonal lobed form with a gently waisted body and flared neck, executed in finely worked silver wire cloisonné upon a deep black ground.
The surface is divided into five elongated panels decorated with seasonal subjects including plum blossom, chrysanthemums, wisteria, iris, a kingfisher and a dragonfly, each reserved against soft blue enamel grounds framed by stylised silver wire borders. Above the main panels are geometric lappets and further chrysanthemum scroll decoration worked in varying gauges of silver wire, creating subtle contrast across the surface and allowing finer details within the floral and bird subjects to remain crisp and controlled.
The vase displays the restrained asymmetrical compositions and refined use of negative space associated with higher quality Japanese cloisonné enamel produced during the late Meiji period. The combination of black ground, silver wire and muted enamel tones closely relates to cloisonné designs associated with Ota Tameshiro, one of the more distinctive artists working within the Kyoto enamel tradition during the late nineteenth century.
The varying wire thickness throughout the decoration gives the surface a softer and more painterly appearance than standard commercial export cloisonné of the period, particularly within the naturalistic rendering of the flowers and bird studies.
Cloisonné enamel vases of this type were produced for display within refined interiors during the late nineteenth century, where Japanese enamel wares became highly sought after amongst Western collectors for their technical precision and balanced decorative compositions.
The vase remains a strong example of late Meiji period Japanese cloisonné with carefully controlled silver wire work and refined seasonal decoration.
View the full Japanese Collection.
MEASUREMENTS
25cm High x 14cm Diameter (9.85 x 5.5 Inches)
CONDITION
Good to Very Good, there is some small surface scratching to the left of the kingfisher between the iris flowers.
WHAT IS CLOISONNE?
Cloisonné is a traditional decorative art that involves applying thin metal wires to form compartments (cloisons) on a metal surface, which are then filled with colourful enamel. After multiple firings and polishings, the result is a vibrant, glass-like finish with intricate designs. The technique has roots in ancient China but was perfected in Japan during the Meiji period (1868–1912), often referred to as the Golden Age of Cloisonné. Japanese artists developed advanced methods such as musen shippō(wireless cloisonné) and shōtai shippō (plique-à-jour), creating seamless, naturalistic, and even translucent effects. Highly prized for its precision, artistry, and beauty, Japanese cloisonné is regarded as one of the finest forms of enamel craftsmanship in the world and remains highly collectible today.
For further information see our article The Art of Japanese Cloisonné: History, Craftsmanship, and the Golden Age.
WHAT IS THE JAPANESE MEIJI PERIOD (1868-1912)?
The Meiji era marked Japan’s transformation into a modern nation and a golden age of decorative arts. With the end of samurai rule and Japan’s opening to the West, artisans produced works of exceptional quality for both domestic and international audiences. Supported by the government through world fairs and Imperial commissions, Japanese lacquerware, cloisonné, satsuma ceramics, bronzes, and ivory carvings reached collectors worldwide. Many leading artists of the time, including Makuzu Kozan and Namikawa Yasuyuki, were honoured as Imperial Household Artists, ensuring the Meiji period remains one of the most celebrated eras of Japanese art.
For further information please see our article Japanese Meiji Period: Art, Collecting, and Cultural Transformation.
WHY BUY FROM JACKSONS ANTIQUE?
At Jacksons Antique, we are a small family-run business with over 10 years of experience in the fine antiques trade. We are proud members of LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers) and CADA (The Cotswold Art & Antique Dealers’ Association), trusted by collectors, interior designers, and private clients worldwide.
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We provide flexible layaway options and a level of personal service that larger retailers simply cannot match. When you buy from Jacksons Antique, you are supporting sustainable, environmentally conscious collecting and helping to preserve historic objects rather than contribute to mass production.
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