Copper Cloisonne Platter
These copper cloisonne platters are Japanese decorative chargers and trays from the Meiji and Edo periods, bringing detailed enamel work and striking imagery to a room.
Copper Cloisonne Platter
When you search for copper cloisonne platter, you are looking at decorative chargers, trays, and plates originating from Japanese workshops across the nineteenth century. The examples on this page span from the middle decades of the Edo period through the height of the Meiji period.
Most pieces take the form of large circular chargers or square trays, featuring distinct motifs such as dragons, phoenixes, koi, iris flowers, and Mount Fuji. These heavy metal vessels serve primarily as decorative wall or cabinet displays rather than functional dining ware.
Materials and construction
The foundation of each piece is a heavy copper base formed into a flat plate, tray, or deep charger. Artisans soldered thin brass or bronze wire onto this metal surface to outline intricate patterns and compartmentalise the design.
Vitreous enamel paste filled the tiny wire cells before the entire object underwent high-temperature firing in a kiln. Polishing the hardened surface revealed the sharp metallic lines of the wire grid alongside the coloured enamel fields.
Current listings span from the 1850s through to 1900, capturing both late Edo and Meiji period Japanese craftsmanship using copper, brass wire, and vitreous enamel.
Distinguishing quality across pieces
Quality rests upon the precision of the wirework and the complexity of the subject matter depicted within the enamel. Masterpieces display microscopic cell arrangements that form coherent pictorial narratives such as leaping koi, samurai, or detailed birds.
The depth of the enamel gloss and the subtlety of colour shading distinguish standard decorative plates from exceptional signed chargers. Earlier Edo period pieces often demonstrate robust grounding, while later Meiji examples achieve remarkable fineness in pictorial detail.
The Copper Cloisonne Platter Glossary
- Cloisonne enamel
- A decorative metalwork technique where fine wire creates raised cells filled with coloured glass paste before firing. This method allows artisans to delineate complex pictorial designs across a metal ground.
- Charger
- A large ornamental plate or platter designed for display on walls or sideboards rather than for serving food. These pieces form the primary format for nineteenth-century Japanese enamel work.
- Ho-o bird
- A mythical phoenix motif frequently depicted in Japanese art symbolising virtue and grace. It appears prominently across nineteenth-century enamel chargers and trays.
- Meiji Period
- The historical era spanning from 1868 to 1912 characterised by rapid artistic development and international export of Japanese metalwork. Much of the enamel work seen today originates from this time.
- Vitreous enamel
- A coloured glass material fused to a metal substrate through kiln firing. It provides a durable and glossy surface finish resistant to fading.
Copper Cloisonne Platter: Frequently Asked Questions
What are copper cloisonne platters?
These items are Japanese decorative plates, chargers, and trays made from a copper base decorated with wired enamel compartments. They depict traditional subjects including dragons, phoenixes, and natural scenes.
Craftsmen produced them extensively during the Edo and Meiji periods for export and domestic display. Their substantial weight and artistic detail make them focal points in any interior scheme.
How were copper cloisonne platters used?
Historically, these platters served as decorative display pieces on walls, stands, or tables rather than as functional tableware. Their intricate enamel surfaces were easily scratched by cutlery and utensils.
Today, collectors use them in similar ways, mounting them on walls or displaying them upright on stands to showcase the fine wirework and enamel colours.
How do I identify Edo period pieces?
Edo period pieces date before 1868, often exhibiting heavier copper construction and deep, rich enamel tones. They tend to feature traditional motifs executed with bold lines.
Comparing the weight, wire thickness, and subject matter against later Meiji examples helps determine the approximate age of a tray or charger.
What subjects appear on these platters?
The listings feature a range of traditional Japanese iconography including leaping koi, ho-o birds, dragons, Mount Fuji, owls, samurai, and auspicious symbols. Floral subjects like large iris arrangements also appear frequently.
Each motif holds specific cultural significance in Japanese art, often representing longevity, strength, or natural beauty.
How do I care for cloisonne platters?
Maintain these platters by dusting them gently with a soft, dry cloth to prevent dirt accumulation in the wire channels. Avoid liquid cleaners and harsh chemicals that could damage the vitreous enamel or tarnish the metal.
Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from areas with high humidity to preserve the integrity of the enamel and the copper base.