Small Japanese Cloisonne Enamel 'Ho-o' Bird / Phoenix Charger. Circa 1870.

Small Japanese Cloisonne Enamel 'Ho-o' Bird / Phoenix charger. Circa 1870.

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 name, Fenghuang, a bird from East Asian mythology with similarities to the phoenix. Deep green enamel work typical of period and style. Decorated with brocade, stylised waves, mosaic panels 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. Substantial use of wires, both decorative and functional in anchoring the enamel in early Japanese cloisonne work. Fine wire work and enamelling technique of the period, most likely from the Nagoya workshop.

Condition: Excellent condition and good circular shape. Some cloisonne losses to the rear in two places shown in photos (next to rim). [Display stand not part of Sale]

Dimensions: Height = 4cm; Diameter = 24.5cm (approx).

* The ho-o bird ( 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 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 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.