Meiji Japanese Cloisonné Eagle Charger
A Japanese cloisonné enamel charger of the Meiji period (1868–1912), probably late nineteenth century, decorated with a crested eagle perched on a rocky outcrop. Rendered in white and graduated gray enamels against a rich chocolate-brown ground, the bird dominates the composition, its lowered head and extended talons conveying watchful intensity. Fine metal wires delineate the overlapping feathers, from the small, rounded scales across the shoulders to the long flight feathers descending along the body. Swept-back plumage accentuates the head and neck, while yellow accents sharpen the eye, hooked beak, and powerful feet.
The finely flecked ground has a subdued metallic sparkle, suggesting aventurine, or goldstone, enamel. Its warm tones provide a striking contrast to the pale bird and the gray-green rockwork, where small flowering plants soften the rugged contours. The subject belongs to a longstanding tradition of depicting birds of prey in Japanese painting and decorative arts. Eagles and hawks carried associations with strength and endurance, making them favored subjects among Japan’s warrior elite. Here, the commanding pose and carefully differentiated plumage translate that pictorial tradition into enamel, with the wirework serving much the same purpose as an artist’s drawn line.
The shallow circular dish rests on a low ring foot and is framed by a narrow metal rim with a delicate scalloped inner border.
The reverse is finished in bright blue enamel, with a dense pattern of wire spirals surrounding a plain blue center. The exposed metal mounts have a warm brown patina. Light wear consistent with age. Presents very well, with bold decoration.
The charger measures approximately 12" in diameter × 1.5" high.
Auction Estimate: $400–$600.
Sale price
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
A Japanese cloisonné enamel charger of the Meiji period (1868–1912), probably late nineteenth century, decorated with a crested eagle perched on a rocky outcrop. Rendered in white and graduated gray enamels against a rich chocolate-brown ground, the bird dominates the composition, its lowered head and extended talons conveying watchful intensity. Fine metal wires delineate the overlapping feathers, from the small, rounded scales across the shoulders to the long flight feathers descending along the body. Swept-back plumage accentuates the head and neck, while yellow accents sharpen the eye, hooked beak, and powerful feet.
The finely flecked ground has a subdued metallic sparkle, suggesting aventurine, or goldstone, enamel. Its warm tones provide a striking contrast to the pale bird and the gray-green rockwork, where small flowering plants soften the rugged contours. The subject belongs to a longstanding tradition of depicting birds of prey in Japanese painting and decorative arts. Eagles and hawks carried associations with strength and endurance, making them favored subjects among Japan’s warrior elite. Here, the commanding pose and carefully differentiated plumage translate that pictorial tradition into enamel, with the wirework serving much the same purpose as an artist’s drawn line.
The shallow circular dish rests on a low ring foot and is framed by a narrow metal rim with a delicate scalloped inner border.
The reverse is finished in bright blue enamel, with a dense pattern of wire spirals surrounding a plain blue center. The exposed metal mounts have a warm brown patina. Light wear consistent with age. Presents very well, with bold decoration.
The charger measures approximately 12" in diameter × 1.5" high.
Auction Estimate: $400–$600.
Sale price
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
