Extremely Fine Exhibition Quality Japanese Cloisonne Charger. Chrysanthemums, Butterfly and Frog. Circa 1890. A superb late 19th century Japanese cloisonné enamel charger. The copper body is worked in exceptionally fine gilt wires with a fan-shaped cartouche of chrysanthemums, butterfly and inconspicuous frog, on a sky-blue ground, framed by a luxurious brocade of geometric and floral patterns. Reverse with pale blue counter-enamel decorated with cloud-scroll spirals; original gilt rim. A striking, exhibition-quality example of Meiji shippo-yaki.The density of the pattern and the quality of the specialised wirework suggest a highly competent workshop Master, possibly that of Ota Toshiro or Goto Seizaburo, both technically accomplished cloisonne artists of late nineteenth century Japan. The dish exemplifies mature style, characterized by meticulous wirework, complex ground treatments, and a refined balance between pictorial imagery and decorative pattern of tight, textile-inspir...