Japanese Cloisonne Plate with Ibis. Circa 1900

Japanese Cloisonne Plate - Fine Decoration of Japanese Ibis amidst plants. Circa 1900.

Fine execution of cloisonne wiring techniques, with realistic depiction of Japanese nature and natural habitat. The execution of detail is exquisite, with renditions of Ibis meandering through their natural habitat, surrounded by plants, foliage and flowers being visited by butterflies. The wirework simulating natural form, with a multitude of cloisonne enamel colours. Superb wirework and enamelling techniques with use of rich and beautifully contrasting colours. The edge of the plate richly decorated with blue enamelled pattern simulating flowers and set between cartouches / medallions containing flowering plants.

Condition: Excellent condition.

Dimensions:

Diameter = 30.5 cm

Depth = 3 cm

*The Japanese Crested Ibis, known in Japan as Toki (Nipponia nippon), is a highly symbolic and endangered bird that holds a significant place in Japanese culture and ecology. It is a large, white-plumaged 'wet-lands' wading bird known for its striking "toki-iro" pink underwings, red skin on its face, and a crest of feathers on its nape.

Habitat and Ecology: The Toki resides near wet-rice rice paddies, marshes, and riversides, particularly in the satoyama landscape—a mosaic of rural ecosystems that includes forests, rice fields, and ponds. They feed on aquatic life, including loaches, frogs, snails, and crabs.

Japanese Culture: The Toki is considered a sacred bird and a living symbol of Japan's rural landscape. The bird is often seen in traditional, picturesque rural scenes alongside wildflowers like buckwheat and alongside trees like the persimmon.