Artsonline has dated this piece to the 1900s.
Brief Description:
Standing 20.5 cm tall, this striking pair is of elegant ovoid form and displays an unusually rich and sophisticated combination of colours and ornament.
Each vase is extensively decorated with alternating elongated shield-shaped panels, the principal yellow-ground reserves depicting the magnificent Hō-ō, or Japanese phoenix, with dramatically outstretched wings and long, flowing tail feathers amongst scrolling foliage.
The phoenix is an important motif in Japanese decorative art, traditionally associated with virtue, prosperity, peace and good fortune.
Alternating with the phoenixes are beautifully executed formalised floral and foliate motifs upon soft pink grounds, all delineated by intricate cloisonné wirework.
Particularly attractive is the unusual finely speckled brown enamel ground, which provides a wonderful contrast to the brightly coloured panels.
The shoulders are exceptionally decorative, incorporating a broad pale blue band of stylised clouds and flowers beneath a rich red border filled with scrolling foliage and chrysanthemum-like blooms. A further band of petal-shaped ornament surrounds each neck.
The combination of russet red, pale blue, pink, yellow, turquoise, white, and muted green enamels is particularly successful, giving the pair a wonderfully sophisticated appearance.
The vases are finished with exposed metal rims and bases, which have acquired an attractive natural patination commensurate with their considerable age.
Dating from the great period of Japanese cloisonné production during the Meiji era (1868–1912), these were produced at a time when Japanese enamel craftsmen achieved extraordinary technical and artistic standards, with their work becoming enormously desirable throughout Europe and America.
Most importantly, the two vases have survived together as a genuine matched pair, making them particularly appealing for display.
At approximately 125 years old, they would make a fabulous addition to a collection of Japanese Meiji art, cloisonné, Asian antiques or decorative works of art, whilst being equally impressive displayed within either a traditional or contemporary interior.
Attributes:
Origin: Japan
Period: Meiji Period (1868–1912)
Date: Circa 1890–1910
Material: Cloisonné enamel on metal
Decoration: Hō-ō / Japanese phoenix, flowers, scrolling foliage and stylised cloud motifs
Height: 20.5 cm each
Quantity: Matched pair
Condition:
Very good antique condition overall, commensurate with age.
There is expected age-related wear, surface marking and patination to the exposed metalwork, together with minor imperfections associated with antique cloisonné manufacture and use.
Please study all of the photographs carefully, as these form an integral part of the description and provide the best representation of the condition and exceptional quality of this beautiful pair.
Overall Measurements:
INCHES & CENTIMETRES
Height: 8.1'' | 20.5 cm
Width: 5'' | 12.7 cm
Depth: 5'' | 12.7 cm
Artsonline has dated this piece to the 1900s.
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Fine Pair Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonné Phoenix Vases C.1900
