Object Description
Large pair of Meiji cloisonné vases with bird and flower decoration
Japanese, Late 19th Century
Height 152cm, diameter 54cm
This remarkable pair of monumental Meiji period cloisonné enamel vases demonstrates the exceptional artistry achieved by Japanese enamel workshops during the late 19th century. At a time when cloisonné was celebrated both domestically and internationally, craftsmen pushed the medium to new levels of sophistication, producing works distinguished by technical precision, glowing colour, and ambitious scale.
The vases feature an elegant and meticulously rendered bird-and-flower design, one of the most esteemed themes in Japanese decorative arts. Branches laden with blossoms—suggestive of cherry, peony, and seasonal flora—support birds captured in lifelike poses, either poised at rest or caught mid-flight. The nuanced pinks, whites, and greens of the blossoms contrast beautifully against the deep navy ground, giving the vessels a rich chromatic depth and a serene, lyrical character. Their impressive height allows the composition to unfurl in generous vertical sweeps, creating a rhythm and movement that would be impossible on smaller forms.
The enamelling is executed with exceptional finesse, the wirework crisp and controlled, the colours subtly graded, and the overall surface finished to a luminous sheen. These qualities reflect the expertise of the premier Meiji cloisonné ateliers, which were known for producing luxury works intended for both the domestic elite and international expositions.
The pair may be shown on the ornate French Chinoiserie-style ormolu stands, which enhance their verticality and lend added grandeur to the display, though the vases remain aesthetically complete on their own.
Impressive in scale and refined in detail, this pair stands as an outstanding example of Meiji-period cloisonné, offering a commanding focal point for any interior or collection of Japanese works of art.