Huge Important Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Bowl. Circa 1850.

Huge and important Japanese cloisonne enamel Dragon Bowl. Circa 1850 (possibly earlier). Late Edo Period. Attributed to Kaji Tsunekichi (1803–83). Superb.

A huge bowl decorated with a ferocious dragon on both the outside and inside of the bowl, and of the utmost rarity. High-quality cloisonné enamelling for the era, with skilled brass wire work and vivid multi-coloured blues, green, enamels and white enamel in blus, greens. The dragon circling amongst the stylised clouds, and the bowl fully decorated with muddy enamel (typical of early enamel work). Superb rendition of this mythical creature using the full bowl circumference, with details and features of sublime quality - notably the dragon's head, teeth, scales and claws. Substantial use of wires, both decorative and functional in anchoring the enamel in early Japanese cloisonne work. The underside / base decorated with cloisonne enamel swirls. One of the largest bowls manufactured during this era. Exceptional Museum Quality.

Condition: Excellent original condition with aged patina. Some minor patches of enamel loss (thinning), scratches and marks. No repair work. Good circular form for an early and extremely large cloisonne piece. [Stand included as shown in photos]

Dimensions: (approx)

Height = 20 cm

Diameter = 33.5 cm

* In the 1830s, Kaji Tsunekichi of Nagoya obtained a piece of Cloisonné enamel and deconstructed it in order to examine how it had been made. He then reworked the piece to produce a small dish with wired enamel decoration. By the 1850s he had opened a workshop, taken on students and was appointed as the official maker of Cloisonné in the Owari Province.