Two Meiji Japanese Cloisonné Floral & Butterfly Vases

Two Japanese cloisonné enamel vases, Meiji period, late nineteenth century, decorated with flowers, butterflies, and ornamental panels against dark grounds densely filled with fine wire spirals. The vases differ in size and shape, sharing a colorful palette and contrasting areas of opaque and translucent enamel. The smaller vase has an elongated body, sloping shoulders, and a slender neck opening to a flared mouth. Chains of small green circular motifs descend along the neck and frame pendant blue panels around the shoulders. Scattered butterflies, pale blossoms, and green floral rosettes enliven the dark ground.

Reflective, foil-like inclusions give selected blue and green passages a sparkling appearance. Overlapping semicircular outlines form a band above the narrow foot. The larger vase has broad, rounded shoulders, a short flared neck, and a tapering body. Overlapping fan-shaped, rectangular, and lobed panels contain irises, flowering branches, butterflies, and stylized ornament. Two panels bear the auspicious characters 福 and 寿, expressing good fortune and longevity. Small colored roundels and floral devices punctuate the surrounding spiral wirework.

A broad ornamental band encircles the shoulders, while alternating colored lappets rise above the foot. Warm yellow-metal mounts frame the mouths and bases. The smaller vase has a dark underside; the larger has an exposed metal underside bearing a small oval stamped mark, presently unidentified.

General wear and minor surface imperfections consistent with age. The larger vase measures approximately 4" in diameter at the widest point × 7.5" high.

Auction Estimate: $300–$500.