Masterpiece Huge Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Charger. Late Edo Period. Circa 1860.

Masterpiece Huge Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Charger. Late Edo Period. Circa 1860.

Important early japanese cloisonne charger. Superbly and finely decorated early Japanese cloisonne piece. Central decoration with fierce dragon chasing / guarding pearls within the clouds (of the heavens). Surrounded by elaborate circular brocade, stylised waves, mosaic crosshatching and grasses. High-quality cloisonné with skilled brass wire work and multi- coloured enamels. Body is decorated with patterns of Karakusa flowers and geometrical patterns. The dark green enamel is unique to this era and came about through a botched attempt at recreating the turquoise blue of Ming Dynasty cloisonné. Substantial use of wires, both decorative and functional in anchoring the enamel in early Japanese cloisonne work. Attributed to Kaji Tsunekichi (1803–83) with fine wire work and enamelling technique of the period. Museum quality.

Condition: Excellent condition and good circular shape. [Stand not part of Sale]

Dimensions: Height = 7.5cm; Diameter = 46cm (approx).

* In Japanese culture, dragons are often depicted carrying a pearl, which symbolizes power, wisdom, and spiritual energy. The pearl is said to give dragons the power to ascend into the heavens.

* In the 1830s, Kaji Tsunekichi of Nagoya obtained a piece of Cloisonné enamel and deconstructed it in order to examine how it had been made. He then reworked the piece to produce a small dish with wired enamel decoration. By the 1850s he had opened a workshop (Nagoya), taken on students and was appointed as the official maker of Cloisonné in the Owari Province