Rare Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Lidded Bowl. Edo Period. Circa 1860.

Spectacular and rare Japanese Cloisonne Lidded Bowl, made in Nagoya circa 1860 - late Edo period. Attributed to Kaji Tsunekichi * (1803–83) who was responsible for the renaissance of Japanese cloisonne.

Extremely high-quality cloisonné with brass wire and various coloured enamels. The enamel decoration 'minitiarised' and of similar scale to the finest of cloisonne-enamel 'ojime' detailed bead work.

Body is decorated mainly with patterns of Karakusa foliage and Kiku flowers. Circular-shaped panels surrounding the lid and bowl, filled with traditional Japanese geometrical patterns of: Kojitsunagi, Shippo, Asanoha. Foot and pedestal fully decorated with cloud motif. This is a very rare item of finest detail and museum quality. Superb.

Condition: Excellent (no dents or losses).

Dimensions (approx):

Height = 5.5cm
Diameter = 34cm

* 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.