Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase With Birds Butterflies and Insects

Details

Description

This exceptionally detailed Japanese cloisonné enamel vase dates to the Meiji period, circa 1880 to 1890, and stands approximately 10 … Read more This exceptionally detailed Japanese cloisonné enamel vase dates to the Meiji period, circa 1880 to 1890, and stands approximately 10 inches high. The surface is organized around vibrant turquoise blue reserves set against a deep black ground, creating a striking contrast that allows the finely articulated decoration to emerge with clarity. The upper and lower edges are framed by ornate geometric floral borders, executed with precise wirework and carefully balanced enamels.


The turquoise panels are animated with a wide variety of butterflies, shown in flight with wings fully extended. Multiple species are represented, each distinguished by unique wing shapes, spotted markings, banded patterns, and subtle variations in color, including tones of brown, cream, blue, and soft red. Their bodies, antennae, and wing veins are rendered with exceptional delicacy, conveying movement and lightness.


Across the darker ground, an extraordinary range of insects is depicted among layered foliage. These include clearly identifiable praying mantises, shown gripping leaves with raised forelegs, bees hovering near blossoms, dragonflies with outstretched wings, moths, grasshoppers, beetles, and other winged insects. Each insect is individually observed and modeled with attention to anatomical detail, including segmented bodies, fine legs, and translucent wings. The surrounding leaves are rendered in autumnal shades of green, ochre, and brown, many deliberately pierced or partially eaten, reinforcing the impression of a living natural environment.


The composition also includes several birds, depicted in dynamic flight and gliding poses within the blue reserves. Their wings are finely feathered using subtle tonal gradations, and their eyes, beaks, and tail feathers are crisply defined. The interaction between birds, butterflies, and insects creates a continuous narrative that wraps entirely around the vessel.


Scattered throughout the design are delicate flowering blossoms with pale pink and white petals and finely detailed gold centers, adding balance and softness to the densely populated surface. The complexity of the composition, combined with the high level of technical control and refined use of color, is characteristic of late nineteenth century Meiji period cloisonné enamel and is consistent with work associated with the Gotō school. This vase exemplifies the period’s fascination with natural history subjects and represents a visually rich and technically accomplished example of Japanese enamel artistry.


Condition


The vase is in excellent overall condition, retaining its original enamels with no losses or restorations. There is a visible impact mark on the side featuring the birds, toward the lower section of the body. This area shows several fine hairline cracks, however no enamel is missing, and the surface remains intact. The condition issue is clearly documented in the accompanying photographs. Overall, the vase presents extremely well, with strong color, crisp wirework, and only minor localized flaws consistent with age. See less