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ID #SA1112407
FOR SALE
£550
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Small Japanese Cloisonne Enamel 'Ho-o' Bird / Phoenix Plate. Circa 1870.
For sale by Dragoncharger Antiques
for sale €644     $699
£550

Dragoncharger Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2024
Browse dealers 175 items
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    Specialising in early japanese cloisonne, edo enamel artisan period.
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Id #SA1112407
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Small Japanese Cloisonne Enamel 'Ho-o' Bird / Phoenix Plate. Circa 1870.

19th century
Description

Small Japanese Cloisonne Enamel 'Ho-o' Bird / Phoenix plate. Circa 1870.

Superbly and finely decorated early Japanese cloisonne piece. Central decoration with Ho-o Bird within the clouds (of the heavens). Known in English as the hoho bird, is the Japanese pronunciation of the more common name, Fenghuang, a bird from East Asian mythology with similarities to the phoenix. Deep green enamel work typical of period and style. Decorated with brocade, stylised waves, mosaic panels and grasses. High-quality cloisonné with skilled brass wire work and multi- coloured enamels. Body is decorated with patterns of Karakusa flowers and geometrical patterns. Substantial use of wires, both decorative and functional in anchoring the enamel in early Japanese cloisonne work. Fine wire work and enamelling technique of the period, most likely from the Nagoya workshop.

Condition: Excellent condition and good circular shape. Some cloisonne losses to the rear in two places shown in photos (next to rim). [Display stand not part of Sale]

Dimensions: Height = 4cm; Diameter = 24.5cm (approx).

* The ho-o bird ( 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 bird was said to bring luck, symbolising good fortune; specifically longevity, fidelity and wisdom.

* In the 1830s, Kaji Tsunekichi of Nagoya obtained a piece of Cloisonné enamel and deconstructed it in order to examine how it had been made. He then reworked the piece to produce a small dish with wired enamel decoration. By the 1850s he had opened a workshop (Nagoya), taken on students and was appointed as the official maker of Cloisonné in the Owari Province.

Date of Manufacture

Dragoncharger Antiques has dated this Japanese Cloisonne Phoenix Charger to the 1870s.

Independent Date Guide ID 08786849
Dealer's Item Date1870s
Sellingantiques Date1870s
Sellingantiques agingItem 140-160 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to THE 1870s:
Dense brass scrollwork under teal enamel: early Meiji workshop technique.
Opaque enamel palette with iron red and dark blue: typical early Japanese export work.
Pitted turquoise counter-enamel on the base: standard early Meiji backing method.
Spun brass rim and foot rim: typical metal body construction for the period.

This Independent Date Guide was compiled by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. It works only from the photographs shown on this page and is never told the date the dealer has declared. It is a guide, not a guarantee of age, and occasional errors can occur.

Physical Dimensions
Height
4cm (1.57")
Width
24.5cm (9.65")
Depth
24.5cm (9.65")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1112407
Dealers Internal Reference
D:22231 103
Description
Small Japanese Cloisonne Enamel 'Ho-o' Bird / Phoenix plate. Circa 1870.

Superbly and finely decorated early Japanese cloisonne piece. Central decoration with Ho-o Bird within the clouds (of the heavens).

“
Known in English as the hoho bird, is the Japanese pronunciation of the more common name, Fenghuang, a bird from East Asian mythology with similarities to the phoenix.
Dragoncharger Antiques

Deep green enamel work typical of period and style. Decorated with brocade, stylised waves, mosaic panels and grasses. High-quality cloisonné with skilled brass wire work and multi- coloured enamels. Body is decorated with patterns of Karakusa flowers and geometrical patterns. Substantial use of wires, both decorative and functional in anchoring the enamel in early Japanese cloisonne work. Fine wire work and enamelling technique of the period, most likely from the Nagoya workshop.

fig 1. A circular Japanese cloisonne enamel charger depicting a central blue and red phoenix surrounded by intricate geometric and floral patterns on a dark teal field.
fig 1. Small Japanese Cloisonne Enamel 'Ho-o' Bird / Phoenix Plate. Circa 1870.

Condition: Excellent condition and good circular shape. Some cloisonne losses to the rear in two places shown in photos (next to rim). [Display stand not part of Sale]

Dimensions: Height = 4cm; Diameter = 24.5cm (approx).

fig 2. A circular Japanese cloisonne enamel charger depicting a central blue and red phoenix surrounded by intricate geometric and floral patterns on a dark teal field.
fig 2. Small Japanese Cloisonne Enamel 'Ho-o' Bird / Phoenix Plate. Circa 1870.

The ho-o bird ( 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 bird was said to bring luck, symbolising good fortune; specifically longevity, fidelity and wisdom.

fig 3. A circular Japanese cloisonne enamel charger depicting a central blue and red phoenix surrounded by intricate geometric and floral patterns on a dark teal field.
fig 3. Small Japanese Cloisonne Enamel 'Ho-o' Bird / Phoenix Plate. Circa 1870.

In the 1830s, Kaji Tsunekichi of Nagoya obtained a piece of Cloisonné enamel and deconstructed it in order to examine how it had been made. He then reworked the piece to produce a small dish with wired enamel decoration. By the 1850s he had opened a workshop (Nagoya), taken on students and was appointed as the official maker of Cloisonné in the Owari Province.

Date of Manufacture

Dragoncharger Antiques has dated this Japanese Cloisonne Phoenix Charger to the 1870s.

Independent Date Report ID 08786849
Dealer's Item Date1870s
Sellingantiques dating1870s
Sellingantiques agingItem 140-160 years old
Test ResultsPassed dating
Why Sellingantiques dated this piece to the 1870s:
Dense brass scrollwork under teal enamel: early Meiji workshop technique.
Opaque enamel palette with iron red and dark blue: typical early Japanese export work.
Pitted turquoise counter-enamel on the base: standard early Meiji backing method.
Spun brass rim and foot rim: typical metal body construction for the period.

This is an independent date report produced by Sellingantiques using its own proprietary system. The process uses the photographs shown on this page. The system is never told the date the dealer has declared. This report shows that the two dates corroborate.

Height
4cm (1.57")
Width
24.5cm (9.65")
Depth
24.5cm (9.65")
Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1112407
Dealers Internal Ref
D:22231 103
Dragoncharger Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Aug 2024

Specialising in early japanese cloisonne, edo enamel artisan period.

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Dragoncharger Antiques Profile Page

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A circular Japanese cloisonne enamel charger depicting a central blue and red phoenix surrounded by intricate geometric and floral patterns on a dark teal field.
1 / 9
Archive I A circular Japanese cloisonne enamel charger depicting a central blue and red phoenix surrounded by intricate geometric and floral patterns on a dark teal field.

Small Japanese Cloisonne Enamel 'Ho-o' Bird / Phoenix Plate. Circa 1870.

Archive II A circular Japanese cloisonne enamel charger depicting a central blue and red phoenix surrounded by intricate geometric and floral patterns on a dark teal field. View II
Archive III A circular Japanese cloisonne enamel charger depicting a central blue and red phoenix surrounded by intricate geometric and floral patterns on a dark teal field. View III
Archive IV A circular Japanese cloisonne enamel charger depicting a central blue and red phoenix surrounded by intricate geometric and floral patterns on a dark teal field. View IV
Archive V A circular Japanese cloisonne enamel charger depicting a central blue and red phoenix surrounded by intricate geometric and floral patterns on a dark teal field. View V
Archive VI A circular Japanese cloisonne enamel charger depicting a central blue and red phoenix surrounded by intricate geometric and floral patterns on a dark teal field. View VI
Archive VII A circular Japanese cloisonne enamel charger depicting a central blue and red phoenix surrounded by intricate geometric and floral patterns on a dark teal field. View VII
Archive VIII A circular Japanese cloisonne enamel charger depicting a central blue and red phoenix surrounded by intricate geometric and floral patterns on a dark teal field. View VIII
Archive IX A circular Japanese cloisonne enamel charger depicting a central blue and red phoenix surrounded by intricate geometric and floral patterns on a dark teal field. View IX
Enlarged Archival View

Dragoncharger Antiques
Telephone 07974 144321
Location
Bristol
United Kingdom
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/dragonchargerantiques
Verified Since Aug 2024
Items For Sale 175
Items Sold 20
Dragoncharger Antiques
Verified Since Aug 2024
View Dealer Info
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/dragonchargerantiques
Verified
Aug 2024
For Sale
175
Sold
20
A circular Japanese cloisonne enamel charger depicting a central blue and red phoenix surrounded by intricate geometric and floral patterns on a dark teal field.
Small Japanese Cloisonne Enamel 'Ho-o' Bird / Phoenix Plate. Circa 1870.
Ref: SA1112407
A circular Japanese cloisonne enamel charger depicting a central blue and red phoenix surrounded by intricate geometric and floral patterns on a dark teal field.
Detail View 1
Detail View 2
Detail View 3
Detail View 4
Detail View 5
Detail View 6
Detail View 7
Detail View 8
Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectPlates & Chargers
  • Period19th century
  • StyleMeiji Period
  • MaterialEnamel, Copper, Bronze
  • ColourDeep Blue and Teal
  • MotifsHo-o phoenix central motif, Geometric star medallions, Scrolling tendril wirework, Greek key rim border
  • SizeH 4 cm (2 in) x W 24.5 cm (10 in) x D 24.5 cm (10 in)

This Japanese cloisonne enamel plate dates from the Meiji period around 1870. The circular charger is made from copper and bronze with deep blue and teal enamel finishes, alongside multi-coloured sections of red, brown, and white. The central motif depicts a blue and red ho-o bird, or phoenix, surrounded by a circular panel and detailed fields of scrolling tendril wirework, geometric star medallions, and a Greek key rim border. The body measures 4 cm high, 24.5 cm wide, and 24.5 cm deep. Within a home today, this piece suits placement on a bookshelf in a gentleman's library or study. The construction incorporates skilled brass wire work and mosaic panels, set against a dark teal field with karakusa flowers and stylised waves. The plate retains its circular shape with visible wirework throughout the intricate surface patterns.

FAQs

Cloisonne enamelware, known in Japan as shippo-yaki, involves applying enamel paste into cells formed by thin metal wires fixed onto a copper or bronze metal base. During the Meiji period (18681912), Japanese artisans refined this technique, creating detailed geometric patterns, naturalistic motifs, and complex colour palettes.

These decorative objects feature a copper or bronze base layered with fine brass, copper, or silver wires that delineate the design cells. Vitreous enamel pastes made of crushed glass and metallic oxide colourants were applied into the compartments before high-temperature firing and hand-polishing.

Authentic 19th-century Japanese cloisonne pieces generally feature precise wirework, dark background enamels, and a substantial weight relative to their size. Early Meiji examples often display subtle surface pinholes from the firing process alongside complex geometric borders surrounding central central motifs.

An antique cloisonne charger can be displayed upright on a dark wood plate stand situated on a sideboard or bookshelf. Alternatively, mounting the charger on a wall within an alcove or styled display case creates an engaging focal point.

Dust the surface regularly using a dry, soft microfibre cloth or a soft-bristled brush. Avoid using water, liquid chemical cleaners, or abrasive polishes, as moisture can penetrate hairline fractures in the enamel or cause oxidisation to exposed metal wires.
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