Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Plates, Set of 2

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A pair of Japanese cloisonne plates from the Meiji Period, 1868-1912, with a turquoise background in good condition. The perimeter … Read more A pair of Japanese cloisonne plates from the Meiji Period, 1868-1912, with a turquoise background in good condition. The perimeter features a 1.7 cm circular border with a dark background composed of geometric frames and mustard-colored flowers; the rich floral decoration inside is a composition of branches of peach blossoms, peonies, and chrysanthemums in splendid bloom, enlivened by two black and white sparrows.

The back is enameled in turquoise with brass swirls on the rim. One of the two plates has a slight deformation at the top of the rim.

The Meiji Period, or Meiji Era, is a period in Japanese history that encompasses the 44-year reign of Emperor Mutsuhito. This period runs from October 23, 1868, to July 30, 1912, and is considered the beginning of the country's modern era.

Cloisonné enamel has ancient origins, dating back to ancient Egypt and Mycenaean Greece, but it was Byzantine culture that brought it to its peak splendor, especially in the production of liturgical objects and jewelry. Its spread throughout Europe occurred thanks to the workshops of Constantinople and trade, which made this technique a symbol of refinement and goldsmith skill. Cloisonné is an "additive" technique, in which thin metal wires are shaped and fixed onto a base to create compartments for the vitreous enamel. Each layer of enamel is fired at specific temperatures to achieve brilliant colors and a perfectly smooth surface, creating a unique visual effect that enhances the contrasts between the metal and the colored glass. See less