Rare Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Lidded Netsuke / Manju. Circa 1860.

Rare Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Netsuke / Manju. Circa 1860 (possibly earlier). Japanese Edo Period.

Superb cloisonné enamel netsuk in perfectly round manju form. An exceptional example with a removable lid with a chord attachment loop on reverse and hole on the underside of the manju for threading through. Finely decorated with blue, turquoise, green, red and orange and white enamels with gold wire. The reverse of the manju similarly decorated in cloisonne enamel, notably a kikunogomon, representing the imperial seal of Japan. Kikunogomon is the official Imperial Seal of Japan, commonly known as the Chrysanthemum Seal or Chrysanthemum Crest.

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 manju would have been used to secure hanging pouches or containers from a kimono sash. The lidded versions are extremely rare, and seldom include the lid often lost over time.

Condition: In excellent condition with some very minor firing imperfections, and a few marks commensurate with age. The lid fits perfectly and can be pushed out from behind using a cocktail stick through the chord threading hole. Exceptional Museum Quality.

Dimensions:

Diameter = 4.3 cm

Height = 2.3 cm

Weight: 27g

*Similar Cloisonne Manju: Galarie Zacke 21st Jan, 2021 Asian Art Discoveries Day 1 Japanese Art RARE CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL MANJU NETSUKE [Lot 269]