Monumental Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Totai Covered Jar With Butterflies

Details

Description

A finely decorated Japanese porcelain covered jar from the Meiji period, executed in tōtai shippo cloisonné enamel on porcelain, a … Read more A finely decorated Japanese porcelain covered jar from the Meiji period, executed in tōtai shippo cloisonné enamel on porcelain, a technically demanding process in which cloisonné style enamels are applied directly to a ceramic body rather than metal. This technique required precise temperature control and careful firing, as porcelain bodies are far less forgiving than copper or silver substrates. As a result, large scale examples of tōtai shippo are significantly rarer than smaller decorative wares.


The jar is richly ornamented with butterflies in flight, rendered in delicate polychrome enamels against a vibrant turquoise ground. The butterflies are evenly spaced and rhythmically arranged, creating a sense of movement across the surface while maintaining compositional balance. The neck and shoulder are accented with stylized tama 玉 motifs, representing precious jewel or pearl forms used as refined decorative elements rather than symbolic imagery. Additional geometric diaper patterns articulate the form, while the scalloped white porcelain band at the shoulder is painted in underglaze blue, creating contrast between ceramic and enamel surfaces.


Standing approximately 12 inches in height, this jar is notably large for tōtai shippo production of the period. The scale alone would have presented considerable technical challenges, as firing large porcelain forms with cloisonné style enamels carried a high risk of warping, cracking, or enamel failure. The successful execution at this size suggests production by a highly skilled private workshop and raises the strong possibility that the piece was created for exhibition or display purposes, rather than routine commercial export.


The underside bears a hand painted Japanese mark in underglaze blue reading 私陶製 Shi tō sei, translating to privately made porcelain or private kiln manufacture. This designation confirms production by a private workshop rather than an imperial or government sponsored kiln and aligns with late Meiji period exhibition driven experimentation in decorative ceramic techniques.


The jar remains in good condition with strong enamel color and crisp detail throughout. A rare and ambitious example of large scale Meiji period tōtai shippo, combining technical difficulty, decorative refinement, and exhibition level presence. Suitable for advanced collectors and institutional or museum oriented collections.



Dimensions

H 12 in. W 7 1/2 in. All measurements are approximate.

ConditionOverall good vintage condition. Signs of age and Refer to photos See less