Pair of Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Jars Attributed Namikawa Yasuyuki

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Description

An important pair of early Japanese cloisonné enamel covered jars, attributed to Namikawa Yasuyuki and dating to approximately 1870 to … Read more An important pair of early Japanese cloisonné enamel covered jars, attributed to Namikawa Yasuyuki and dating to approximately 1870 to 1875, during the formative years of the Kyoto cloisonné industry.


Each jar is finely decorated with butterflies and stylized flowers arranged against a densely worked pale pink ground. A broad central band of interlocking dark cartouches encircles each body, enclosing alternating floral and geometric motifs in deep green, yellow, white, red, and aubergine enamels. Additional ornamental borders decorate the shoulders, necks, domed covers, and spreading feet, creating an exceptionally rich and continuous surface design.


The unusual palette, dense floral ornamentation, early wirework, and distinctive arrangement of horizontal decorative bands closely relate to a covered vase in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, dated circa 1870 to 1875 and identified by the museum as a possible work by Namikawa Yasuyuki. Particularly compelling comparisons may be found in the vessels’ related forms, domed covers with ribbed finials, dark central floral bands, overlapping scale borders, and densely patterned enamel grounds.


These jars represent the experimental character of early Kyoto cloisonné, before the highly polished and increasingly pictorial style associated with Namikawa Yasuyuki’s mature production. Their complex ornament combines traditional Japanese floral imagery with geometric and textile inspired patterns, reflecting the technical and artistic development of Japanese enameling during the opening years of the Meiji period.


A rare and visually striking pair, attributed to Namikawa Yasuyuki based on close stylistic and technical comparison with the related example preserved in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.see attached image


Condition: the body’s are in good condition no chips or cracks to the enamels. the lids by the finials have enamel loss see photos



Dimensions

H 5 3/4 in. All measurements are approximate See less