Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Charger with Ho-o Birds / Phoenix. Circa 1880.

Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Ho-o Bird Charger. Circa 1880. Similar item illustrated in Japanese Cloisonne - Coben and Ferster [Plate 44].

Superbly and finely decorated Japanese cloisonne piece. Pair of birds, flowers and stars, all revolving merrily around a centralised stylized chrysanthemum. Ho-o Birds within the clouds (of the heavens). Known in English as the hoho bird, is the Japanese pronunciation of the more common name, Fenghuang, a bird from East Asian mythology with similarities to the phoenix. Variety of rich enamel colours of reds, reds, blues and ivory enamel work typical of period and style. High-quality cloisonné for the era, with skilled brass wire work and multi-coloured enamels, including rare and unusual light green dots at the end of the feather tendrils. Body is decorated with foliage and stylized clouds / geometrical patterns. The reverse similarly decorated. 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, most likely from the Nagoya workshop straddling the late Edo and early Meiji Periods.

Condition: Excellent condition with no enamel losses.
[Display stand not part of Sale]

Dimensions (approx):

Diameter = 30.5 cm

Depth = 5.5 cm

* The ho-o bird (is a mythical creature adapted from Asian mythology that incorporates parts of several creatures such as the rooster, mandarin duck, peacock, crane, and pheasant. The bird was said to bring luck, symbolising good fortune; specifically longevity, fidelity and wisdom.