Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonné Amphora Vases Pair 19cm Double Handled Enamel

Antique Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonné Amphora Vases – Matching Pair – 19cm

A beautiful and highly decorative matching pair of antique Japanese cloisonné enamel amphora vases, attributed to the Meiji period (1868–1912).

Standing approximately 19cm tall, these elegant vases feature a distinctive double-handled amphora form, with rounded bulbous bodies, elongated trumpet-shaped necks and beautifully curved enamelled handles.

The rich and intricate decoration combines a vibrant turquoise-blue ground with fine spiral wirework, deep cobalt-blue floral panels, delicate pink and white flowers, and contrasting green, yellow and red enamel detailing.

A particularly striking feature is the horizontal red decorative band encircling each vase, incorporating brilliant green, sparkling aventurine-style enamel. This creates a beautiful contrast against the turquoise and cobalt-blue decoration.

The interiors of both vases are finished in a rich green enamel, while the unmarked metal bases display natural age-related wear.

MEIJI PERIOD ATTRIBUTION AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

These vases are attributed to the Japanese Meiji period, an era internationally celebrated for the extraordinary development of Japanese decorative enamelwork.

Their elegant amphora shape, carefully executed cloisonné wirework, elaborate floral decoration and traditional enamelled interiors are consistent with Japanese craftsmanship of this period.

The fine spiral patterns and individually outlined decorative elements demonstrate the considerable skill involved in producing these pieces.

Research has also identified an apparently identical pair previously offered and subsequently marked as sold by the specialist antiques retailer IM Chaney Antiques, where they were described as antique Japanese cloisonné amphora vases.

This provides a particularly useful comparison for the form, decoration and historical identification of the pair.

Although the precise workshop and date of manufacture have not been established, the overall construction and decorative characteristics support their attribution to the Meiji period.

A MATCHING PAIR

The vases share the same distinctive shape, proportions, decorative patterns and colour palette, indicating that they were produced as a matching pair.

They display beautifully together and would make an attractive addition to a collection of Japanese antiques, historic cloisonné enamel or Asian decorative arts.

DIMENSIONS

Each vase measures approximately:

* Height: 19cm
* Diameter: 9cm
* Weight: 300g

CONDITION

Both vases are in antique condition with visible age-related wear and areas of enamel loss.

There are chips and losses to sections of the decorative enamel, including around the curved handles, the red horizontal bands and some of the floral panels.

Certain areas reveal the underlying metal where enamel has been lost.

The exposed metal bases display surface wear consistent with age. No obvious major distortion of the vase bodies has been observed.

The enamel losses are clearly illustrated in the detailed photographs and have been taken into consideration.

Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description and provide the best indication of the condition of these antique pieces.

SUMMARY

* Origin: Japan, attributed
* Period: Meiji (1868–1912), attributed
* Material: Cloisonné enamel on metal, believed copper or copper alloy
* Form: Double-handled amphora vases
* Decoration: Turquoise spiral ground, floral panels and green aventurine-style enamel
* Interior: Green enamel
* Base: Unmarked
* Quantity: Matching pair
* Condition: Antique, with enamel losses and age-related wear

An unusual and visually striking pair of Japanese cloisonné amphora vases, offering a wonderful combination of traditional craftsmanship, historical interest and decorative appeal.

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The vases will be carefully packaged to ensure safe delivery.