Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Trinket Box Attributed to Inaba Meiji Period

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An exceptional Japanese cloisonne enamel trinket box, attributed to the celebrated Inaba workshop, dating to the Meiji period, circa 1890–1900. … Read more An exceptional Japanese cloisonne enamel trinket box, attributed to the celebrated Inaba workshop, dating to the Meiji period, circa 1890–1900. Beautifully proportioned and extraordinarily detailed, this jewel-like rectangular box combines a magnificent dragon composition with intricate floral ornamentation, elaborate geometric borders, and a finely engraved gilt metal interior.

The hinged rectangular trinket box is raised on four small gilt metal bracket feet and features exceptionally elaborate enamel decoration extending across the cover and all four sides. The sophisticated combination of vivid cobalt blue, turquoise, emerald green, coral red, soft pink, ivory, and gold creates a remarkably rich and harmonious composition.

The centerpiece of the cover is a magnificent Japanese dragon, dramatically positioned against a brilliant turquoise blue enamel ground within a shaped ornamental reserve. The dragon is depicted with a long, twisting serpentine body covered in individually articulated green scales, its powerful head displaying expressive eyes, elaborate horns, flowing whiskers, and an open mouth. Its curling claws and sinuous body create a striking impression of movement and energy.

The dragon is surrounded by an exceptionally intricate arrangement of decorative panels incorporating chrysanthemums, flowering branches, stylized foliage, geometric diaper patterns, and finely worked scrolling designs. The alternating black, turquoise, red, and blue enamel grounds create a sophisticated contrast, while the delicate metal wirework provides definition and remarkable precision throughout the composition.

Particularly noteworthy is the extraordinary variety of decorative techniques employed in the surrounding borders. Small floral reserves, latticework patterns, delicate blossoms, and elaborate ornamental scrolls are carefully arranged to frame the central dragon without overwhelming the composition.

The four sides of the trinket box are equally impressive, decorated with a continuous series of vertical architectural arches in alternating shades of deep cobalt blue and pale turquoise, each carefully outlined in fine metal wire. Above these geometric borders are richly colored panels featuring stylized chrysanthemums, flowering branches, and intricate geometric patterns.

The contrast between the orderly architectural decoration of the lower sections and the flowing floral ornamentation above creates an exceptionally refined decorative balance.

**The interior is particularly remarkable.** Opening the hinged cover reveals a beautifully finished gilt metal interior with delicately engraved Japanese landscape scenes.

The underside of the lid features an atmospheric composition of mountainous scenery, trees, and traditional Japanese architecture, executed with fine engraved lines against the warm golden surface. The interior base is similarly decorated with an elegant landscape featuring a traditional Japanese pagoda nestled among trees and rocky outcroppings, accompanied by small birds in flight.

These beautifully engraved interior scenes demonstrate an unusual level of attention to detail, extending the artistic decoration beyond the visible exterior surfaces.

The underside of the trinket box is also fully decorated in cloisonne enamel, featuring a large central chrysanthemum blossom in ivory and pale yellow, surrounded by flowing blue foliage against a soft green ground. An intricate scrolling border frames the composition, further demonstrating the care devoted to every surface of the object.

**Attribution to the Inaba Workshop**

This exceptional trinket box is attributed to the Inaba workshop based on its distinctive decorative composition, sophisticated enamel palette, exceptional wirework, and close similarities to documented examples bearing Inaba signatures.

Numerous comparable Japanese cloisonne boxes attributed to or signed by the Inaba workshop have been documented in museum collections and specialist publications devoted to Japanese decorative arts. These examples share closely related characteristics, including elaborate dragon compositions, richly colored floral and geometric ornamentation, precisely executed wirework, architectural border designs, and carefully finished metal interiors.

The existence of closely related signed examples provides an important comparative foundation for the attribution of this trinket box to the Inaba workshop. Its overall construction, decorative vocabulary, quality of enameling, and intricate ornamental details are consistent with the sophisticated craftsmanship associated with the workshop during the Meiji period.

The combination of a powerful dragon motif, richly ornamented exterior, fully decorated underside, and engraved gilt metal interior makes this an especially attractive example of Meiji period Japanese decorative artistry.

Its compact proportions and extraordinary density of ornamentation make it particularly appealing to collectors of Japanese cloisonne, Meiji period metalwork, and finely executed decorative trinket boxes.

**Origin:** Japan

**Period:** Meiji period, circa 1890–1900

**Attribution:** Inaba workshop

**Materials:** Cloisonne enamel, gilt metal

**Dimensions:**
- Width: 5 inches
- Depth: 4 inches
- Height: 2 ½ inches

**Condition:** Antique condition with visible age related wear and patination to the metal surfaces, particularly the interior. The hinged cover and decorative enamelwork are shown in the accompanying photographs. Please refer to the photographs for additional condition details. See less