Japanese Plique-à-Jour Cloisonné Enamel Vase Early 20th Century Floral 13cm

Japanese Plique-à-Jour Cloisonné Enamel Vase – Early 20th Century

A beautiful and exceptionally delicate Japanese plique-à-jour cloisonné enamel vase, believed to date from the early 20th century, likely around the late Meiji to Taishō period.

Standing approximately 13cm tall, the vase is formed from translucent turquoise-blue enamel held within an intricate network of fine metal wires, creating the remarkable stained-glass-like appearance characteristic of the Japanese plique-à-jour technique known as shōtai-jippō.

The decoration features flowering branches in shades of blue, purple, green and black, with a larger flower to the opposing side. A decorative floral border surrounds the flared neck, while the underside incorporates a striking chrysanthemum-style design.

Plique-à-jour is an exceptionally demanding form of enamelling in which there is no conventional opaque metal backing behind the translucent enamel cells, allowing light to pass through the vessel.

The vase is unsigned and comes with the wooden display stand shown in the photographs.

Condition:
This is a delicate antique piece and does have condition issues. There are areas of enamel loss, including several small open cells, together with age-related wear. These areas have been photographed closely and are clearly shown in the listing photographs.

Despite these losses, the vase displays beautifully, particularly when illuminated, when the translucent enamel and intricate wirework become especially apparent.

Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.

Dimensions:
Height: approximately 15cm including stand
Diameter: approximately 6cm

Wooden display stand included.

A beautiful and unusual example of Japanese plique-à-jour enamelling, ideal for a collector of Japanese decorative arts, cloisonné or antique enamel work.