What is Japanese cloisonne enamelwork from the late Edo period?

Cloisonne is a decorative technique where thin metal wires are soldered onto a metal vessel base to form compartments, which are subsequently filled with enamel pastes, fired, and polished flat.

How were large cloisonne palace vases constructed during this era?

Vessel bodies were hammered from copper or brass sheet metal, applied with brass wire cellwork, inlaid with powdered glass pigments, and subjected to multiple kiln firings before abrasive hand polishing.

How can one identify authentic 19th-century Japanese cloisonne?

Authentic pieces feature copper construction, intricate wirework detailing, hand-polished finishes showing slight surface variations, and traditional motifs such as Ho-o phoenixes or geometric brocades.

How can large cloisonne vases be styled in a modern interior?

Large statement vessels function well positioned on deep sideboards, flanking entryways, or placed within architectural alcoves to introduce vertical scale and dark polychrome tones.

How should antique enamel metalwork be cleaned and preserved?

Dust surfaces regularly using a soft microfibre cloth, keeping the items free from liquid cleaners or abrasives that could cause oxidisation to exposed metal wires.

for sale €8,775 $9,525

£7,500

Dragoncharger Antiques

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Specialising in early japanese cloisonne, edo enamel artisan period.

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Huge Pair of Large Cloisonne Enamel Palace Vases. 91cm. Edo Period. Ho-o Bird / Phoenix. Circa 1860.

Name: Huge Pair of Large Cloisonne Enamel Palace Vases. 91cm. Edo Period. Ho-o Bird / Phoenix. Circa 1860.
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1149633
Price: 7500 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by Dragoncharger Antiques

Description

Huge Pair of Cloisonne Enamel Palace Vases. Late Edo Period. Circa 1860. Attributed to Kaji Tsunekichi (1803–83).

Pair of rare and early Japanese cloisonne enamel vases, dating to Edo Period. The exterior adorned with medallions with various geometrical patterns surrounded by floral and foliage motifs, and scrolling ‘karakusa’ ( mgrass). Central decoration (on both sides) with Ho-o Birds in the clouds (of the heavens). Vivid greens, blues, reds and yellow multi-coloured enamel work typical of period and style. High-quality cloisonné for the era, with skilled brass wire work and multi- coloured enamels. Body fully 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.

Attributed to Kaji Tsunekichi (1803–83), (19th century). Comprising very fine brass wire cloisonne construction technique, decorated with vivid and various coloured enamels, geometric patterns, stylised flowers and grass foliage - typical of Kaji works.

Condition: Some repair work. Notably around lower part of one handle, and some body work. Very good for age for early and extremely large cloisonne pieces.

Dimensions: (approx)

Height = 92cm

Diameter = 38cm

Width = 50cm (across handles)

* 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, taken on students and was appointed as the official maker of Cloisonné in the Owari Province.

**The Ho-o bird, also known as Houou, is a mythical creature from East Asian folklore, primarily found in Asian mythology, and is often associated with the phoenix. 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. It's a symbol of good fortune, longevity, fidelity, and wisdom, often depicted as an amalgamation of various birds like the phoenix, pheasant, stork, heron, and bird of paradise. The Ho-o bird is also a prominent decorative element in Asian art, particularly on cloisonne enamel work, ceramics, woodwork, and furniture.

Physical Dimensions

Height

92cm (36.22")

Width

50cm (19.69")

Depth

38cm (14.96")

Declaration

Dragoncharger Antiques has dated these Japanese Cloisonne Palace Vases to the 1860s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1149633

Dealers Internal Reference

D:09010

Description

Huge Pair of Cloisonne Enamel Palace Vases. Late Edo Period. Circa 1860. Attributed to Kaji Tsunekichi (1803–83).

Pair of rare and early Japanese cloisonne enamel vases, dating to Edo Period.

“

The exterior adorned with medallions with various geometrical patterns surrounded by floral and foliage motifs, and scrolling ‘karakusa’ ( mgrass).

Dragoncharger Antiques

Central decoration (on both sides) with Ho-o Birds in the clouds (of the heavens). Vivid greens, blues, reds and yellow multi-coloured enamel work typical of period and style. High-quality cloisonné for the era, with skilled brass wire work and multi- coloured enamels. Body fully 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.

fig 1. A pair of large Japanese cloisonne enamel vases featuring curved loop handles and intricate blue and green geometric patterns surrounding Ho-o phoenix medallions. — fig 1. Huge Pair of Large Cloisonne Enamel Palace Vases. 91cm. Edo Period. Ho-o Bird / Phoenix. Circa 1860.

Attributed to Kaji Tsunekichi (1803–83), (19th century). Comprising very fine brass wire cloisonne construction technique, decorated with vivid and various coloured enamels, geometric patterns, stylised flowers and grass foliage - typical of Kaji works.

fig 2. A pair of large Japanese cloisonne enamel vases featuring curved loop handles and intricate blue and green geometric patterns surrounding Ho-o phoenix medallions. — fig 2. Huge Pair of Large Cloisonne Enamel Palace Vases. 91cm. Edo Period. Ho-o Bird / Phoenix. Circa 1860.

Condition: Some repair work. Notably around lower part of one handle, and some body work. Very good for age for early and extremely large cloisonne pieces.

Dimensions: (approx)

Height = 92cm

Diameter = 38cm

fig 3. A pair of large Japanese cloisonne enamel vases featuring curved loop handles and intricate blue and green geometric patterns surrounding Ho-o phoenix medallions. — fig 3. Huge Pair of Large Cloisonne Enamel Palace Vases. 91cm. Edo Period. Ho-o Bird / Phoenix. Circa 1860.

Width = 50cm (across handles)

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, taken on students and was appointed as the official maker of Cloisonné in the Owari Province.

fig 4. A pair of large Japanese cloisonne enamel vases featuring curved loop handles and intricate blue and green geometric patterns surrounding Ho-o phoenix medallions. — fig 4. Huge Pair of Large Cloisonne Enamel Palace Vases. 91cm. Edo Period. Ho-o Bird / Phoenix. Circa 1860.

The Ho-o bird, also known as Houou, is a mythical creature from East Asian folklore, primarily found in Asian mythology, and is often associated with the phoenix. 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. It's a symbol of good fortune, longevity, fidelity, and wisdom, often depicted as an amalgamation of various birds like the phoenix, pheasant, stork, heron, and bird of paradise. The Ho-o bird is also a prominent decorative element in Asian art, particularly on cloisonne enamel work, ceramics, woodwork, and furniture.