Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Plate, Meiji Period (1868-1912)
Object Description: A circular plate executed in shippō (cloisonné enamel) from the Meiji era.
Dimensions: Diameter: 12 inches (30.5 cm) | Height: 1.25 inches (3.2 cm)
Primary Decoration: The central field features a aigairo (kingfisher blue or turquoise) ground, a color prized in Japanese cloisonné and achieved through cobalt oxide formulations. Upon this ground, a composition of butterflies (*chō*) and assorted flowers and plants. The butterflies and flowers, are depicted with gradations of color.
Border and Technical Details: The plate's rim has a key-fret pattern, known in Japan as a kiku mon (chrysanthemum pattern) or more broadly as a rankaku (egg-and-dart) motif. This classical border is presented in a deep brown. The reverse of the plate features a finely engraved swirling motif. The piece is in good condition with wear consistent with age.
Historical Context: This plate was created during the golden age of Japanese cloisonné. Pieces of this scale and complexity were produced in centers like Nagoya and Kyoto, often requiring multiple artists for the wirework (*wari-komi*), enamel application, and polishing.
Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Plate, Meiji Period (1868-1912)
Object Description: A circular plate executed in shippō (cloisonné enamel) from the Meiji era.
Dimensions: Diameter: 12 inches (30.5 cm) | Height: 1.25 inches (3.2 cm)
Primary Decoration: The central field features a aigairo (kingfisher blue or turquoise) ground, a color prized in Japanese cloisonné and achieved through cobalt oxide formulations. Upon this ground, a composition of butterflies (*chō*) and assorted flowers and plants. The butterflies and flowers, are depicted with gradations of color.
Border and Technical Details: The plate's rim has a key-fret pattern, known in Japan as a kiku mon (chrysanthemum pattern) or more broadly as a rankaku (egg-and-dart) motif. This classical border is presented in a deep brown. The reverse of the plate features a finely engraved swirling motif. The piece is in good condition with wear consistent with age.
Historical Context: This plate was created during the golden age of Japanese cloisonné. Pieces of this scale and complexity were produced in centers like Nagoya and Kyoto, often requiring multiple artists for the wirework (*wari-komi*), enamel application, and polishing.
