Dragoncharger Antiques has dated this Japanese Totai Porcelain Charger to the 1880s.
An amazing piece most likely made for exhibition purposes.
The combinations of which delivers a striking effect, with iridescent light reflection from the mother-of-pearl. The decoration comprised flowers, hanging plants, butterflies and the Ho-o bird - all superbly rendered in totai.
Condition: Excellent original condition. Very heavy with hanging loop. Museum quality.
50cm diameter.
Totai Shippo (cloisonné-on-porcelain) combined with mother-of-pearl inlay represents a rare and highly intricate Japanese decorative art, primarily produced during the late Meiji era (circa 1880s-1900s). This technique involves applying cloisonné techniques—metal partitions filled with enamel or lacquer—directly onto a porcelain base, often incorporating iridescent mother-of-pearl shells to create highly detailed, shimmering, and layered textures. Technique Definition: Totai Shippo is distinct from traditional cloisonné (on metal) because it uses a ceramic base. Artisans applied thin copper wires (cloisons) onto a porcelain body, filled them with lacquer (often cinnabar or black) and then inlaid delicate pieces of seashell, such as mother-of-pearl or abalone, to form complex designs. Exhibition Quality: These pieces were frequently made for national industrial exhibitions or export to the West, showcasing the incredible skill of Meiji-period artisans. Design Motifs: Common subjects include flowers, butterflies, and mythical figures such as the Ho-o bird (phoenix).
The ho-o bird (also spelled houou) is a mythical creature adapted from Asian mythology that incorporates parts of several creatures such as the rooster, mandarin duck, peacock, crane, and pheasant. The Ho-o is said to bring happiness to those who encounter it, the sight of a ho-o is a good omen, portending peace, prosperity, and justice in the land.
Dragoncharger Antiques has dated this Japanese Totai Porcelain Charger to the 1880s.
Specialising in early japanese cloisonne, edo enamel artisan period.
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Masterpiece Huge Japanese Porcelain Charger in Totai with Cinnabar Lacquer. Ho-o Bird / Phoenix (51 cm) Circa 1880.
