What is cloisonne enamel?

Cloisonne enamel involves soldering thin metal wires onto a copper or bronze base to form bounded cells. Artisans fill these compartments with coloured glass paste before firing the piece at high temperatures. After cooling, the surface is ground flat and polished to create a smooth, decorated metal object showcasing detailed patterns like birds, flowers, and dragons.

How do I identify a Meiji period piece?

Meiji period Japanese metalwork, dating between 1868 and 1912, is recognised by exceptionally fine wirework and complex pictorial designs. Items from this era often depict natural subjects such as koi, owls, and Mount Fuji with great precision. Many high-quality pieces from this time also feature artist signatures or workshop marks integrated into the enamel decoration.

Were these items used or decorative?

While forms like censers and bowls had functional origins in ritual or domestic settings, many chargers and large vases were created purely for display. Wealthy households utilised them as ornamental centrepieces. Export demand during the nineteenth century also meant numerous items were manufactured specifically for international collectors as decorative works of art.

What metals are used in these antiques?

The primary structural metals found in these pieces are copper, bronze, and brass, sometimes enhanced with gilt finishes. These materials provided a durable foundation capable of withstanding the heat of the enamel firing process. Brass wire was also utilised extensively to outline the decorative cells across the surface of cloisonne vessels and plates.

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Antique Asian Enamel Metalwork

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Antique asian enamel metalwork brings together intricate decorative arts from Chinese and Japanese workshops spanning the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.