Masterpiece Large Japanese Cloisonne Enamel 'Ho-o' Bird Charger. Late Edo Period. Circa 1860.

Masterpiece Large Japanese Cloisonne Enamel 'Ho-o' Bird Charger. Late Edo Period. Circa 1860.

Important early japanese cloisonne charger. Superbly and finely decorated early Japanese cloisonne piece. Central decoration with Ho-o Bird within the clouds (of the heavens). Known in English as the hoho bird, is the Japanese pronunciation of the more common Chinese name, Fenghuang, a bird from East Asian mythology with similarities to the phoenix.

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,geometrical patterns and finely decotated panels containing the birds that make up the mythical Ho-o. 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. [Display stand not part of Sale]

Dimensions: Height = 5cm; Diameter = 36.5cm (approx).

* The ho-o bird ( is a mythical creature adapted from Chinese mythology that incorporates parts of several creatures such as the rooster, mandarin duck, peacock, crane, and pheasant. The bird was said to bring luck, symbolising good fortune; specifically longevity, fidelity and wisdom.

* In the 1830s, Kaji Tsunekichi of Nagoya obtained a piece of Chinese 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.