Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Charger Urashima Taro Riding the Sea Bream Mythological

Details

Description

Early Meiji Japanese cloisonne enamel charger measuring 15 inches in diameter, depicting the famous folktale of Urashima Taro. Shown riding … Read more Early Meiji Japanese cloisonne enamel charger measuring 15 inches in diameter, depicting the famous folktale of Urashima Taro. Shown riding a red sea bream across stylized waves, the figure is surrounded by swirling currents, bubbles, and underwater forms that reference the legendary Dragon Palace beneath the sea.


The plate displays a bold narrative style associated with early Meiji enamel work, with thick wire outlines, strong color fields, and rich sea greens and blues. Examples with mythological subjects are uncommon, and the present charger offers a rare interpretation of one of Japan’s oldest stories. A strong piece for collectors of Japanese narrative art and Meiji decorative arts.


Size 15 inches diameter Condition mint


The Story Depicted on the Charger


The figure shown is Urashima Tarō, a fisherman who saves a turtle and is taken to the Dragon Palace (Ryūgū-jō) under the sea. As he arrives at the palace, he is traditionally shown riding a tai fish (red sea bream) over waves, surrounded by bubbles and undersea motifs.


Your charger shows:


• The iconic red tai fish

• Urashima Tarō with his blue headpiece and beard

• Waves in swirling blues and greens

• Undersea bubbles and gold forms referencing the Dragon Palace realm

This is a classic motif in Meiji Japanese cloisonne, but this particular style has an extremely early, folk narrative interpretation. It almost resembles Edo period ukiyoe storytelling translated into enamel, which makes it especially unusual and collectible.


Why It Is Significant


• Urashima Tarō is one of the oldest Japanese myths, dating back over 1300 years.

• Art with this subject is always desirable because it connects directly to Japanese cultural identity.

• The use of bright greens, blues, reds, and golds with large figural elements suggests early Meiji narrative cloisonne, possibly made before the highly technical Kyoto school refinement. See less