Antique Japanese Goldstone Cloisonne Vase Meiji Period Matched Pair

Sale price$195.00

Dimensions: 4-¾”h.          

A fine, unusual pair of early (Meiji period) vases in ‘standard cloisonne’, (yusen jippo), each decorated with six panels of flowers and butterflies. The vases are typical ovoid forms in muted base colors of black, brown, ochre, and light and dark blue, with small touches of pink, green, yellow, red, white, and highlighted with ‘tea-gold stone’, (chakin-seki).                                                 

Vintage Condition: Excellent with the inlay completely intact. “As is”, and both pieces have retained the original craft/workmanship with no wear or damage to either piece. Any discoloration, chipping/cracking, surface wear or structural damage noted. 

NOTE: As a general statement, Japanese enamels, (Cloisonné), are unique and exceptionally beautiful, and there is no shadow of doubt that modern Japanese enamels, in every way, surpasses the older Chinese. There are two very distinct styles in the modern enamels; the Kyoto craftsman preferring to work in the true cloisonné, where the design is laid on in gold or copper wire in geometrical or decorative motifs and patterns of bewildering fineness. The Tokyo enameler works on different lines and overall format, and produces panels which look like fine paintings on porcelain on monochrome vases, boxes and other decorative objects, which are considered a triumph of workmanship. Around 1889 we also see Tokyo artisans producing Cloisonné without wires which received prizes in Tokyo, Paris and Chicago. And, finally there is the Nagoya workshops, although probably producing more wares than those in the other two cities were often unsigned or at most signed using ink brush.