Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonné Goldstone Aventurine Vase c.1890 Floral Butterfly 12cm

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonné Goldstone Vase

A beautiful small Japanese cloisonné cabinet vase dating to the Meiji period (1868–1912), most likely circa 1890–1910.

The vase has an elegant ovoid body with a long slender neck and is decorated with a series of individually worked panels containing flowers, scrolling foliage and butterfly/insect motifs.

Particularly attractive are the extensive shimmering brown-gold areas incorporating goldstone / aventurine-style enamel, traditionally known as chakin-seki. The tiny reflective inclusions catch the light wonderfully and give the surface a rich sparkling appearance.

The decoration is picked out in fine cloisonné wire with enamels in turquoise blue, green, white, yellow, lavender and red. A detailed blue and multicoloured border encircles the shoulder, while further small floral motifs continue up the neck.

The vase is unsigned, which is not unusual for Japanese cloisonné of this period.

Date: Meiji period (1868–1912), likely circa 1890–1910
Origin: Japan
Material: Cloisonné enamel on metal
Height: 12 cm
Maximum diameter: approximately 5.5 cm
Weight: approximately 92 g

Condition:
Very attractive antique condition overall with age-related surface wear and patination to the exposed metal consistent with its age. Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

A particularly decorative example of late 19th/early 20th-century Japanese cloisonné, with the sparkling goldstone enamel giving the piece considerable visual impact despite its diminutive cabinet size.

A lovely addition to a collection of Japanese Meiji art, antique cloisonné or decorative enamels.

Carefully packed for dispatch.