Huge Cloisonne Enamel Vase, with Koi (72 cm). Circa 1870.

Huge Cloisonne Enamel Palace Vases. Circa 1870 (possibly earlier). Attributed to workshop of Kaji Tsunekichi (1803–83).

Rare Japanese cloisonne enamel vase. The exterior adorned with medallions with various geometrical patterns surrounded by floral and foliage motifs, and scrolling ‘karakusa’ (grass). Central decoration comprising of Leaping Koi and Bird (front and bacj) and Flowers (on both sides). Vivid greens, blues, reds and yellow multi-coloured enamel work typical of period and style. High-quality cloisonné for the era, with skilled brass wire work and multi- coloured enamels. Body fully 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.

Attributed to workshop Kaji Tsunekichi (1803–83), and possibly by Tsunekichi himself. Comprising very fine brass wire cloisonne construction technique, decorated with vivid and various coloured enamels, geometric patterns, stylised flowers and grass foliage - typical of Kaji works.

Illustrated in Japanese Cloisonne [Coben and Ferster]: p181; Plate 23.

Condition: Good for early and large Japanese cloisonne pieces. Cloisonne and enamel losses to dent around lower part of one handle.

Dimensions: (approx)

Height = 72.5 cm (85cm inc stand).
Diameter = 25 cm
Width = 35 cm (across handles)

* 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, taken on students and was appointed as the official maker of Cloisonné in the Owari province.