Antique Japanese Cloisonné Vase Meiji Period Phoenix Hō-ō Birds Flowers c1890

Antique Japanese cloisonné enamel vase dating to the Meiji period, circa 1880–1900.

A particularly decorative example with a rich palette of deep red, black, white, gold, green and ochre enamels worked within fine metal cloisons.

The bulbous body is divided into striking shield-shaped reserves depicting stylised Hō-ō or Japanese phoenix birds, accompanied by paulownia-style foliage and floral motifs. Above is a wonderfully detailed continuous arrangement of chrysanthemums, other flowers and butterflies, surrounded by intricate geometric and floral borders.

The neck is decorated with further suspended floral and foliate motifs against a translucent red ground. The interior of the neck is finished in blue enamel, while the underside has a glossy black enamel ground with an inset metal foot.

An attractive and unusually richly decorated piece of late 19th-century Japanese cloisonné, particularly appealing for its multiple phoenix panels and dense floral ornamentation.

Period: Meiji period
Date: Circa 1880–1900
Origin: Japan
Material: Cloisonné enamel on metal
Height: 13 cm
Maximum diameter: approximately 8 cm
Weight: 172 g
Maker: Unmarked

Condition:
Good antique condition overall with age-related surface wear, fine scratches and minor imperfections consistent with its age and manufacture. Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and show the condition in detail.

A beautiful small-scale Japanese antique that displays extremely well and would make an excellent addition to a collection of Meiji-period cloisonné or Japanese decorative arts.