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ID #SA1237945
FOR SALE
£750
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Rare Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Miniature Ritual Vase. Circa 1870.
For sale by Dragoncharger Antiques
for sale €878     $953
£750

Dragoncharger Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Aug 2024
Browse dealers 165 items
  • About Us
    Specialising in early japanese cloisonne, edo enamel artisan period.
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Id #SA1237945
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Rare Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Miniature Ritual Vase. Circa 1870.

19th century
Description

Extremely rare Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Miniature Ritual Vase. Circa 1870. Late Edo period. Attributed to Kaji Tsunekichi * (1803–83) responsible for the renaissance of Japanese cloisonne.

The profile of this vessel is heavily rooted in ancient ritual designs. Its silhouette directly mimics the archaistic forms of ancient Chinese bronze ritual vessels*.

Extremely high-quality cloisonné with intricate brass wire-work and finely decorated with a plethora of vivid coloured enamels in blue, red, yellow and green. The wirework and enamelling ''minitiarised'' and of complexity similar to the finest of cloisonne-enamel ''ojime'' detailed bead-work.

Body is decorated mainly with patterns of Karakusa foliage and Kiku flowers. Square and arrow shaped panels filled with traditional Japanese geometrical patterns of: Kojitsunagi, Shippo, Asanoha. The base decorated en-plein in traditional dark green translucent enamel. This is a very rare item of finest detail, rarity and museum quality. Superb.

[Stand not included].

Condition: Excellent original condition. Some enamel firing losses around the elaborate loop decoration.

Dimensions:

Height = 16 cm

Width = 10 cm (across handles)

Depth = 6.5 cm

*Historically, this vase draws direct inspiration from ancient Chinese ritual bronze vessels. Its design incorporates several classic, archaistic ritual elements:

• The Hu or Gu Form: The flared neck, distinctive bulging central section (knop), and splayed foot are modeled after ancient wine vessels used in sacred ancestral ceremonies.

• Taotie/Mask Handles: The two loops on the side, paired with loose rings, mimic the ceremonial animal-mask (taotie) handle mounts traditionally cast into ancient bronze pieces to hold carrying ropes.

• Symbolic Geometry: In ancient rituals, the combination of round and square shapes on these vessels often symbolized the connection between heaven, earth, and the ancestral spirits.

Physical Dimensions
Height
16cm (6.30")
Width
10cm (3.94")
Depth
6.5cm (2.56")
Declaration

Dragoncharger Antiques has dated this Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1237945
Dealers Internal Reference
D:09099
Description
Extremely rare Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Miniature Ritual Vase. Circa 1870. Late Edo period. Attributed to Kaji Tsunekichi * (1803–83) responsible for the renaissance of Japanese cloisonne.

The profile of this vessel is heavily rooted in ancient ritual designs. Its silhouette directly mimics the archaistic forms of ancient Chinese bronze ritual vessels*.

“
Extremely high-quality cloisonné with intricate brass wire-work and finely decorated with a plethora of vivid coloured enamels in blue, red, yellow and green.
Dragoncharger Antiques

The wirework and enamelling ''minitiarised'' and of complexity similar to the finest of cloisonne-enamel ''ojime'' detailed bead-work.

fig 1. A miniature Japanese cloisonne enamel ritual vase with two loop handles, loose rings, and polychrome floral decoration on a dark green background.
fig 1. Rare Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Miniature Ritual Vase. Circa 1870.

Body is decorated mainly with patterns of Karakusa foliage and Kiku flowers. Square and arrow shaped panels filled with traditional Japanese geometrical patterns of: Kojitsunagi, Shippo, Asanoha. The base decorated en-plein in traditional dark green translucent enamel. This is a very rare item of finest detail, rarity and museum quality. Superb.

fig 2. A miniature Japanese cloisonne enamel ritual vase with two loop handles, loose rings, and polychrome floral decoration on a dark green background.
fig 2. Rare Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Miniature Ritual Vase. Circa 1870.

[Stand not included].

Condition: Excellent original condition. Some enamel firing losses around the elaborate loop decoration.

Dimensions:

Height = 16 cm

Width = 10 cm (across handles)

Depth = 6.5 cm

Historically, this vase draws direct inspiration from ancient Chinese ritual bronze vessels. Its design incorporates several classic, archaistic ritual elements:

fig 3. A miniature Japanese cloisonne enamel ritual vase with two loop handles, loose rings, and polychrome floral decoration on a dark green background.
fig 3. Rare Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Miniature Ritual Vase. Circa 1870.

• The Hu or Gu Form: The flared neck, distinctive bulging central section (knop), and splayed foot are modeled after ancient wine vessels used in sacred ancestral ceremonies.

• Taotie/Mask Handles: The two loops on the side, paired with loose rings, mimic the ceremonial animal-mask (taotie) handle mounts traditionally cast into ancient bronze pieces to hold carrying ropes.

• Symbolic Geometry: In ancient rituals, the combination of round and square shapes on these vessels often symbolized the connection between heaven, earth, and the ancestral spirits.

Height
16cm (6.30")
Width
10cm (3.94")
Depth
6.5cm (2.56")
Date of Manufacture

Dragoncharger Antiques has dated this Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase to the 1870s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1237945
Dealers Internal Ref
D:09099
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 miniature Japanese cloisonne enamel ritual vase with two loop handles, loose rings, and polychrome floral decoration on a dark green background.
1 / 15
Archive I A miniature Japanese cloisonne enamel ritual vase with two loop handles, loose rings, and polychrome floral decoration on a dark green background.

Rare Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Miniature Ritual Vase. Circa 1870.

Archive II A miniature Japanese cloisonne enamel ritual vase with two loop handles, loose rings, and polychrome floral decoration on a dark green background. View II
Archive III A miniature Japanese cloisonne enamel ritual vase with two loop handles, loose rings, and polychrome floral decoration on a dark green background. View III
Archive IV A miniature Japanese cloisonne enamel ritual vase with two loop handles, loose rings, and polychrome floral decoration on a dark green background. View IV
Archive V A miniature Japanese cloisonne enamel ritual vase with two loop handles, loose rings, and polychrome floral decoration on a dark green background. View V
Archive VI A miniature Japanese cloisonne enamel ritual vase with two loop handles, loose rings, and polychrome floral decoration on a dark green background. View VI
Archive VII A miniature Japanese cloisonne enamel ritual vase with two loop handles, loose rings, and polychrome floral decoration on a dark green background. View VII
Archive VIII A miniature Japanese cloisonne enamel ritual vase with two loop handles, loose rings, and polychrome floral decoration on a dark green background. View VIII
Archive IX A miniature Japanese cloisonne enamel ritual vase with two loop handles, loose rings, and polychrome floral decoration on a dark green background. View IX
Archive X A miniature Japanese cloisonne enamel ritual vase with two loop handles, loose rings, and polychrome floral decoration on a dark green background. View X
Archive XI A miniature Japanese cloisonne enamel ritual vase with two loop handles, loose rings, and polychrome floral decoration on a dark green background. View XI
Archive XII A miniature Japanese cloisonne enamel ritual vase with two loop handles, loose rings, and polychrome floral decoration on a dark green background. View XII
Archive XIII A miniature Japanese cloisonne enamel ritual vase with two loop handles, loose rings, and polychrome floral decoration on a dark green background. View XIII
Archive XIV A miniature Japanese cloisonne enamel ritual vase with two loop handles, loose rings, and polychrome floral decoration on a dark green background. View XIV
Archive XV A miniature Japanese cloisonne enamel ritual vase with two loop handles, loose rings, and polychrome floral decoration on a dark green background. View XV
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 165
Items Sold 18
Dragoncharger Antiques
Verified Since Aug 2024
View Dealer Info
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/dragonchargerantiques
Verified
Aug 2024
For Sale
165
Sold
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A miniature Japanese cloisonne enamel ritual vase with two loop handles, loose rings, and polychrome floral decoration on a dark green background.
Rare Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Miniature Ritual Vase. Circa 1870.
Ref: SA1237945
A miniature Japanese cloisonne enamel ritual vase with two loop handles, loose rings, and polychrome floral decoration on a dark green background.
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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDecorative Vases
  • Period19th century
  • StyleMeiji Period
  • MaterialBronze, Enamel
  • ColourDark Green
  • MotifsLoop handles with loose rings, central knop, polychrome floral pattern, flared foot
  • SizeH 16 cm (6 in) x W 10 cm (4 in) x D 6.5 cm (3 in)

This Japanese cloisonne enamel miniature ritual vase dates from 1870 in the Meiji period. It is formed from bronze and enamel with a dark green background colour and finished with vivid polychrome floral patterns, intricate brass wire-work, and enamel firing losses around the loop decoration. The vessel follows an archaistic shape with a flared neck, a central knop, a flared foot, and two loop handles featuring loose rings. It stands 16 cm high, 10 cm wide across the handles, and 6.5 cm deep. In a contemporary home, this decorative vase sits well on a bookshelf inside a gentleman's library. The piece rests upon a dark circular wooden stand as it is displayed.

FAQs

Japanese cloisonne enamel, known as shippo-yaki, is a decorative technique where thin metal wires are affixed to a metal body to form patterns, with the resulting compartments filled with coloured enamel vitreous paste and fired.

The core substrate of traditional cloisonne vessels typically consists of copper or bronze, with fine brass, copper, or silver wires applied to create the pattern cells before enamel glass paste is fused to the metal surface.

Nineteenth-century Japanese pieces often exhibit heavy metal bases, complex geometric or floral wirework, dark or varied enamel colour grounds, and signs of hand-polishing or minor pitting beneath the glaze.

Miniature cloisonne vessels function as accent objects on styled bookshelves, sideboards, or mantelpieces, grouping well with dark wood surfaces, leather-bound books, or brass metalwork.

Cloisonne enamel should be lightly dusted with a dry, soft microfiber cloth and kept away from moisture, harsh chemicals, or sudden temperature changes that could cause the vitreous enamel to crack or separate from the metal base.
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