Rare Japanese Champleve Enamel Netsuke / Manju in Pewter. Signed. Circa 1850.

Rare Japanese Cloisonne / Champleve Enamel Netsuke / Manju in Pewter. Signed. Circa 1850 (possibly earlier). Japanese Edo Period.

Champleve enamel netsuke in oblong manju form. Decorated with a raised central flower comprising of blue and yellow enamels within raised scrolling foliage setting with stippled effect surface background. The reverse signed. A chord is attached to a central circular fixing point resembling an acorn hat / cap. Botanists call this cap the cupule. In Japanese, it is charmingly referred to as the boushi, which literally means "hat."

An early dimunitive and extremely rare enamel object made by a highly skilled artisan in the early era of mastering cloisonne techniques in Japan. While most netsuke are carved figures (katabori) or made of organic materials, metal or pewter manju represent specialized craftsmanship from the Edo Period. This relatively heavy manju would have been used to secure hanging pouches or containers from a kimono sash.

Condition: In excellent condition with some minor marks commensurate with age.

Dimensions:

Height = 2.9 cm

Width = 4.2 cm

Depth (Thickness) = 0.6 cm

Weight: 34g