Rare Large Japanese Cloisonne Enamel 'single-dragon' Charger (40cm). Circa 1875.

Rare and important Japanese cloisonne enamel ''Dragon'' charger. Circa 1875.

Decorated in deep green, blue, red and pink enamels with single dragon. This ferocious-looking beasts guarding the sacred pearl of wisdom among stylised clouds. The reverse with peony blossoms/flowers within stylised grasses and blue water droplets around rim of base. (unsigned).

An early and rare Japanese cloisonne piece of the highest craftsmanship for the era. Museum quality. (Display stand not part of the Sale).

Condition: Excellent condition with no enamel losses. Very minor firing loss to the back (as per norm in Japanese early cloisonne work). Very slight bruising marks in two places, almost unnoticeable.

Dimensions: Height = 7cm; Diameter = 40cm

*A strikingly similar dish but with 2 dragons contesting the sacred pearl is in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, accession no 326-1872. Also same described and noted in Japanese Cloisonne Enamels by Gregory Irvine: Plate 75 [reputed the V&A museum dish was made by Kaji Sataro [1859 - 1923], son of Kaji Tsunekichi]. The attribution would suggest a young apprentice (16 yrs old in 1875).