Copper Cloisonne Enamel Dish
These copper cloisonne enamel dishes bring intricate Meiji and Edo period Japanese metalwork into the home.
Copper Cloisonne Enamel Dish
A copper cloisonne enamel dish takes the form of a charger, plate, tray, bowl or plaque created in Japan during the Edo and Meiji periods. The selection on this page consists entirely of Japanese works spanning from the mid-nineteenth century through to 1900, capturing a period of intense artistic refinement.
The most common formats you will meet here are large decorative chargers and plates featuring animal and mythical subjects such as dragons, Ho-o birds, phoenixes, koi, tigers and owls. Alongside these are smaller trays and plaques depicting figures, samurai, demons, peonies, irises and auspicious symbols.
How they were made
The foundation of each piece is formed from hammered copper shaped into plates, chargers, bowls or trays. Artisans then soldered fine brass or copper wire onto the metal surface to create intricate cellular compartments known as cloisons.
These cells were filled with vitreous enamel pastes and fired in a kiln multiple times to fuse the glass to the metal base. Skilled grinding and polishing revealed the thin metal outlines of the wire pattern gleaming between the hardened coloured enamel fields.
Copper Cloisonne Enamel Dish Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for copper cloisonne enamel dish among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Among the mythical beasts and fierce samurai, a solitary man cooking quietly minds his pot on a small Edo period plate.
What varies in quality
Quality rests upon the precision of the wirework and the complexity of the design rendered within the enamel cells. Pieces created at a higher standard display microscopic wire placement and subtle colour shading that depict complex subjects like dragons, samurai or landscapes with striking clarity.
The ambition of the form also dictates the standing of a piece, moving from small simple plates to huge chargers carrying elaborate multi-layered iconography. Signed works and those displaying exceptionally fine decoration represent the pinnacle of this metalwork tradition.
The Copper Cloisonne Enamel Dish Glossary
- Cloisonne enamel
- A metalworking technique where fine wire creates raised compartments on a copper body to hold vitreous enamel pastes before firing. The resulting surface shows a network of metallic lines defining the coloured design.
- Charger
- A large decorative plate or dish intended for display on a wall or stand rather than for dining use. These large surfaces often showcase the most elaborate artisan work.
- Meiji Period
- The era of Japanese history running from 1868 to 1912, noted in these listings for the production of highly refined and intricate decorative arts. Works from this time demonstrate extraordinary technical control.
- Edo Period
- The period of Japanese history spanning from 1603 to 1867, representing the earlier works found in this selection. Pieces from the late Edo period often feature bold dragon and bird motifs.
- Ho-o bird
- A mythical Chinese and Japanese phoenix symbol denoting peace and fidelity, frequently depicted amongst tendrils on chargers and plaques. It appears with ornate tail feathers in multi-coloured enamel.
Copper Cloisonne Enamel Dish: Frequently Asked Questions
How were these dishes used?
These pieces served primarily as decorative items for display within the home rather than as tableware for serving food. Large chargers were mounted on stands or displayed on walls to showcase the skill of the metalworker.
Smaller trays and dishes functioned as cabinet pieces or ornamental receptacles for small objects in domestic interiors.
How do I date a copper cloisonne dish?
Dating relies on stylistic evidence, materials and known production periods associated with Japanese metalwork. Pieces from the mid-nineteenth century often belong to the late Edo period, featuring bold designs and specific handling of the enamel.
Later works extending toward 1900 belong to the Meiji period, where technical refinement allowed for finer wirework and more complex pictorial subjects like Mount Fuji or detailed figures.
What subjects appear on these dishes?
The motifs draw heavily from Japanese mythology, nature and traditional iconography. Common subjects include mythical beasts such as dragons, Ho-o birds and phoenixes alongside natural forms like koi carp, tigers, owls, irises and peonies.
Other pieces depict human figures including samurai, demons, scholars and scenes of daily life, occasionally accompanied by mon crests and auspicious symbols.
How should I display a cloisonne charger?
Display requires a sturdy plate stand or a secure wall-mounting bracket designed to take the weight of a heavy copper and enamel object. Positioning the piece away from direct sunlight protects the vitreous enamel surface from potential fading over time.
Regular dusting with a soft dry cloth helps maintain the polished appearance of the metal wire and the glazed enamel fields.