Meiji Japanese Cloisonné Bird & Autumn Maple Vase
A Japanese cloisonné enamel vase, late Meiji period, circa 1890–1910, decorated with two long-tailed birds among maple branches and flowering chrysanthemums against a glossy black ground. The elongated body rises through broad, rounded shoulders to a short neck and flared mouth, with narrow metal mounts framing the rim and foot. A slender maple trunk branches across the upper body, carrying finely pointed leaves in green, teal, golden yellow, orange, and rust red. Two stylized birds occupy the branches in contrasting poses, one leaning downward and the other perched upright with its head raised.
Their brown wings, pale breasts, golden cheek patches, and exceptionally long tail feathers are articulated with delicate metal outlines. Clusters of chrysanthemums fill the lower portion of the composition, with white, pale lavender, yellow, and orange blossoms opening among overlapping foliage. Fine wirework defines the individual petals, branching stems, and leaf veins. Additional flowering sprays decorate the reverse, separated by broad passages of uninterrupted black enamel. A narrow ornamental border of pointed scallops encircles the foot above the metal mount.
The mouth and foot mounts are silver-colored; their metal composition has not been confirmed. The interior is finished in blue enamel, and the underside is darkly enameled. No maker’s mark is visible in the supplied photographs.
Light wear consistent with age, with possible light speckling to the enamel. Presents very well, with bold color and sharply defined decoration.
The vase measures approximately 4.5" in diameter at the widest point × 9.5" high.
Auction Estimate: $400–$600.
Sale price
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
A Japanese cloisonné enamel vase, late Meiji period, circa 1890–1910, decorated with two long-tailed birds among maple branches and flowering chrysanthemums against a glossy black ground. The elongated body rises through broad, rounded shoulders to a short neck and flared mouth, with narrow metal mounts framing the rim and foot. A slender maple trunk branches across the upper body, carrying finely pointed leaves in green, teal, golden yellow, orange, and rust red. Two stylized birds occupy the branches in contrasting poses, one leaning downward and the other perched upright with its head raised.
Their brown wings, pale breasts, golden cheek patches, and exceptionally long tail feathers are articulated with delicate metal outlines. Clusters of chrysanthemums fill the lower portion of the composition, with white, pale lavender, yellow, and orange blossoms opening among overlapping foliage. Fine wirework defines the individual petals, branching stems, and leaf veins. Additional flowering sprays decorate the reverse, separated by broad passages of uninterrupted black enamel. A narrow ornamental border of pointed scallops encircles the foot above the metal mount.
The mouth and foot mounts are silver-colored; their metal composition has not been confirmed. The interior is finished in blue enamel, and the underside is darkly enameled. No maker’s mark is visible in the supplied photographs.
Light wear consistent with age, with possible light speckling to the enamel. Presents very well, with bold color and sharply defined decoration.
The vase measures approximately 4.5" in diameter at the widest point × 9.5" high.
Auction Estimate: $400–$600.
Sale price
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
