Large Cloisonne Platter
A large cloisonne platter is a commanding centrepiece of coloured enamel and metal wire, offering intricate depth for any room.
Large Cloisonne Platter
When you search for a large cloisonne platter, you encounter substantial Japanese decorative chargers and trays dating from the nineteenth century. These wide display vessels span the Edo and Meiji periods, showcasing meticulous artistry across various diameters.
The objects on this page primarily take the form of chargers, plates, and decorative trays. Subjects depicted include dragons, birds, Mount Fuji, and traditional figures.
Originating largely from nineteenth-century Japanese workshops, these pieces function primarily as decorative wall or table displays rather than utilitarian tableware. Their generous scale allows complex pictorial scenes to unfold across the surface.
How they were made
Artisans formed these platters using a base of copper, brass, or porcelain, upon which thin metal wire was soldered to outline the decorative motifs. These wires created cellular compartments, known as cloisons, which were subsequently filled with coloured enamel paste.
The pieces underwent repeated firings in a kiln to fuse the enamel powders, followed by extensive grinding and polishing to achieve a smooth finish flush with the wire grid. Certain variants incorporate totai shippo techniques, where the body material is partially removed to create translucent effects.
Materials recorded on this page include copper, brass, porcelain, wood, ceramic, and various metal wires.
What varies in quality
The distinction between standard production and superior execution lies in the fineness of the wirework and the complexity of the enamel palette. Masterpieces demonstrate microscopic cell precision and intricate pictorial depth, particularly in rendered feathers, scales, and natural scenery.
Surface finish and the presence of signatures further differentiate the items. Examples signed by makers or employing specialised methods like cinnabar lacquer integration represent the upper tier of nineteenth-century craftsmanship.
The Large Cloisonne Platter Glossary
- Cloisonne
- Enamel decoration in which the design is formed by strips of metal wire soldered to a metal base. The resulting cells are filled with vitreous paste and fired.
- Charger
- A large ornamental plate or dish intended for display on a wall or sideboard rather than for serving food. These items form the core of the available selection.
- Totai Shippo
- A Japanese technique where the body of the vessel is removed or rendered translucent, creating a semi-transparent effect akin to porcelain. This method appears on specific nineteenth-century platters.
- Meiji Period
- The era of Japanese history lasting from 1868 to 1912, characterised by extensive opening to Western trade and significant advancements in decorative metalwork and enamel.
- Edo Period
- The period in Japanese history spanning from 1603 to 1867, preceding the Meiji era and encompassing earlier large-scale enamel production.
Large Cloisonne Platter: Frequently Asked Questions
How were large cloisonne platters displayed?
These large vessels were primarily created for visual display on walls using specialised hangers or rested upon heavy stands on sideboards and tables. Their substantial weight and pictorial subjects suited prominent placement in reception rooms.
Collectors today continue this tradition, mounting them securely to showcase the intricate enamel work at eye level.
What is the difference between Edo and Meiji pieces?
Pieces originating from the late Edo period often display robust forms and traditional motifs like birds on branches, reflecting earlier Japanese aesthetic traditions.
Meiji period items frequently exhibit increased technical precision and bolder imperial imagery such as dragons, corresponding to heightened production for international exhibition.
Are these platters made of metal or porcelain?
The core structure is typically formed from copper or brass, though certain examples utilise a porcelain base beneath the wire and enamel layers.
Metal-bodied versions rely on soldered wire to form the compartments, whereas porcelain variants integrate the technique with ceramic foundations.
What does totai shippo mean?
Totai shippo refers to wire-enamel work where the underlying solid body is etched away or modified to let light pass through the enamel cells.
This specialised variation produces semi-translucent areas resembling porcelain effects within a metal or ceramic framework.