Rare Large Japanese Cloisonne Enamel 'single-dragon' Charger (36cm). Signed. Circa 1875.

Rare Large Japanese Cloisonne Enamel 'single-dragon' Charger (36cm). Circa 1875. Signed to reverse.

Superb rendition of a ferocious dragon. Decorated in deep green, blue, red and pink enamels with single dragon. This ferocious-looking beast guarding the sacred pearl of wisdom among stylised clouds. The reverse decorated with peony blossoms/flowers within stylised border of water droplets. Superb.

An early and rare Japanese cloisonne piece of the highest craftsmanship for the era. Museum quality.
[Display stand not included in Sale].

Condition: Excellent condition with very minor enamel losses. Very minor firing loss to the back (as per norm in Japanese early cloisonne work of this technique). Display lighting used in some photos (including main photo) to capture the beauty of the vivid enamels.

Dimensions:

Diameter = 36 cm

Depth = 6 cm

*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).