Japanese Cloisonne Enamel 'Tiger' Dish. Circa 1880.

Rare Japanese Cloisonne Enamel 'Tiger' Dish. Circa 1880.

Depicting a fierce tora (tiger). Fine and realistic depiction of a Tiger in mountain foot-hills superbly rendered in cloisonne enamel. Worked in finely arranged wires depicting hair and stripes, in golden yellow / brown enamel, highlighted with black and white / ivory enamels. The Tora, quietly stalking, framed within a light grey/blue enamel ground of sky and detailed mountain terrain background.

The detailed wirework simulating the flow of its fur. Body details and head finely rendered with realistic colours and characteristics. The 'Tiger' quietly creeping through the camouflage, and ready to pounce. Superb wirework and enamelling techniques.
[Stand not included].

Condition: Faint hairlines showing, overall good condition

Dimensions:

Diameter = 20 cm

Depth = 1.5 cm

** The Tiger is a prominent and auspicious motif in East Asian art and culture, symbolizing strength and resilience, and representing the concept of a harmonious and peaceful society where the powerful find shelter among the weak. In Asian tradition, the tiger symbolizes power, courage and notably the "King of Beasts".