Japanese Cloisonne Large Iris Tray. Circa 1870.
Beautifully decorated cloisonne tray with flowering Iris Plants*.
Simple and extremely effective with natural flowering iris scene positioned to the side of mosaic cloisonne work with geometric shapes. Excellent use of vivid cloisonne enamel colours in blue, red, pink and yellow colours. The dark green enamel is unique to this era with substantial use of ''cloud'' wires, both decorative and functional in anchoring the enamel in early Japanese cloisonne work.
High-quality cloisonne with skilled brass-wire work and enameling techniques. The reverse similarly decorated with geometric shapes.
Condition: Excellent condition.
Dimensions:
Height = 25 cm
Width = 38 cm
Depth = 4 cm
*Japanese iris (Iris ensata or Hanashobu), native to Japan, has been cultivated for over 500 years, evolving from wild wetlands plants into highly bred artistic forms. Historically used as a signal for rice planting, they became prized durin
...g the Edo period for their ''perfect bloom'' and are culturally associated with Samurai strength. Today, they are still central to Japanese garden culture, often planted along the edges of ponds to represent the yatsuhashi (zigzag bridge) scenes from traditional literature.
Key Historical Points:
Ancient Origins: Native to Japan, they traditionally grew in wild, damp spots, with farmers using their bloom time to indicate the start of the rice planting season.
Edo Period Cultivation (1603–1868): This period marked the height of Japanese iris breeding. Cultivators in Tokyo (Edo), Kumamoto (Higo), and Mie (Ise) focused on developing distinct forms for viewing, emphasizing a single ''perfect'' bloom per stalk rather than multiple flowers, often grown in pots for close meditation.
Symbolism: Due to their sword-shaped leaves, they were associated with samurai, strength, and warding off evil spirits.
Cultural Significance in Art: They are frequently depicted in Japanese woodblock prints (ukiyo-e) and screens, famously in the 10th-century poem collection The Tales of Ise.
Internal Reference: D:007060
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1204903
Dateline of this antique is 1880
Height is 25cm (9.8inches)Width is 38cm (15.0inches)Depth is 4cm (1.6inches)
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