Masterpiece Huge Japanese Porcelain Charger in Totai with Cinnabar Lacquer. Ho-o Bird / Phoenix (51 cm) Circa 1880.

A superb and very large Japanese Porcelain Charger in Totai with Cinnabar Lacquer. Circa 1880.

An amazing piece most likely made for exhibition purposes. The superb and complex decoration comprising of a range of artisan techniques, notably totai, cinnabar lacquer, and mother-of-pearl inlays (known as Raden). The combinations of which delivers a striking effect, with iridescent light reflection from the mother-of-pearl. The decoration comprised flowers, hanging plants, butterflies and the Ho-o bird - all superbly rendered in totai.

Condition: Excellent original condition. Very heavy with hanging loop. Museum quality.

50cm diameter.

*Totai Shippo (cloisonné-on-porcelain) combined with mother-of-pearl inlay represents a rare and highly intricate Japanese decorative art, primarily produced during the late Meiji era (circa 1880s-1900s). This technique involves applying cloisonné techniques—metal partitions filled with enamel or lacquer—directly onto a porcelain base, often incorporating iridescent mother-of-pearl shells to create highly detailed, shimmering, and layered textures. Technique Definition: Totai Shippo is distinct from traditional cloisonné (on metal) because it uses a ceramic base. Artisans applied thin copper wires (cloisons) onto a porcelain body, filled them with lacquer (often cinnabar or black) and then inlaid delicate pieces of seashell, such as mother-of-pearl or abalone, to form complex designs. Exhibition Quality: These pieces were frequently made for national industrial exhibitions or export to the West, showcasing the incredible skill of Meiji-period artisans. Design Motifs: Common subjects include flowers, butterflies, and mythical figures such as the Ho-o bird (phoenix).

**The ho-o bird (also spelled houou) is a mythical creature adapted from Asian mythology that incorporates parts of several creatures such as the rooster, mandarin duck, peacock, crane, and pheasant. The Ho-o is said to bring happiness to those who encounter it, the sight of a ho-o is a good omen, portending peace, prosperity, and justice in the land.