Japanese Cloisonne Goldstone Enamel Dragon Covered Jar Meiji Period

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An exceptional and richly decorated Japanese cloisonne enamel covered jar from the Meiji period, circa 1895, distinguished by its impressive … Read more An exceptional and richly decorated Japanese cloisonne enamel covered jar from the Meiji period, circa 1895, distinguished by its impressive proportions, magnificent dragon decoration, brilliant goldstone enamel grounds, and extraordinarily intricate combination of floral, butterfly, and bird motifs.

Standing an impressive 12 inches tall and measuring 8 inches wide, this substantial covered jar features a beautifully balanced baluster form with broad, rounded shoulders, a gently tapering body, and a short, raised neck supporting a fully removable domed cover. The cover is surmounted by a finely modeled gilt metal floral finial, providing an elegant finishing touch to this richly ornamented vessel.

**One of the most remarkable features of this piece is its extensive use of goldstone enamel**, creating a spectacular shimmering coppery bronze ground filled with countless brilliant metallic particles. This unusual enamel treatment catches and reflects the light, producing an extraordinary sparkling effect that gives the surface a jewel-like brilliance. The goldstone ground provides a dramatic setting for the complex decorative program and demonstrates the sophisticated technical capabilities of Japanese cloisonne artists during the Meiji period.

The upper shoulder is dominated by a magnificent Japanese dragon, its powerful, serpentine body extending across the curved surface of the vessel. The dragon is rendered with extraordinary attention to detail, featuring finely articulated scales, flowing whiskers, expressive eyes, elaborate horns, and an impressive arrangement of flowing appendages. Its body is decorated in a sophisticated combination of deep green, cobalt blue, pale turquoise, soft pink, golden yellow, and reddish brown enamels.

The dragon appears to move dynamically through stylized clouds against the shimmering goldstone background, creating a striking sense of movement and energy. In Japanese art, the dragon is traditionally associated with strength, wisdom, protection, and the forces of nature, making it one of the most powerful and recognizable motifs in Japanese decorative arts.

Separating the dragon decorated shoulder from the lower body is an exceptionally elaborate ornamental band incorporating repeating floral arabesques, stylized chrysanthemums, scrolling foliage, and intricate geometric elements. The border is executed in a sophisticated palette of pale blue, ivory, muted green, soft pink, gold, and deep black, demonstrating remarkable precision in the arrangement of the individual enamel compartments.

The lower body is particularly fascinating for its unusual arrangement of large, downward pointing decorative panels, each containing a distinct composition. These alternating reserves feature beautifully rendered butterflies, delicate floral arrangements, and birds in flight, creating a richly varied decorative program that rewards close examination.

One panel features an enchanting assortment of butterflies in shades of white, turquoise, black, pale blue, and soft pink, delicately arranged against a warm reddish enamel ground. Another contains a graceful bird in flight, surrounded by stylized clouds against a shimmering goldstone background. Additional panels display elegant arrangements of chrysanthemums and flowering branches, executed with fine wirework and carefully coordinated colors.

Each panel is outlined by a series of small turquoise enamel beads, creating a delicate jeweled effect. The spaces between the panels are filled with extraordinarily intricate scrolling wirework against a dark enamel ground, punctuated by small blossoms and ornamental details.

The lower portion of the jar is finished with a beautifully decorated pedestal foot incorporating bands of pale blue, coral red, floral scrollwork, and overlapping scale motifs in shades of cobalt blue and green. These carefully arranged borders provide an elegant visual foundation for the richly decorated body.

**The fully removable domed cover is equally impressive**, featuring a continuous arrangement of stylized chrysanthemums and scrolling foliage against a deep black enamel ground. The flowers are rendered in shades of pale blue, coral red, ivory, and gold, creating a striking contrast with the darker background. The gilt metal floral finial completes the composition.

Of particular importance is the elaborate decoration found on the underside of the removable cover. Rather than leaving this normally concealed surface undecorated, the artist has created a beautifully executed circular composition of chrysanthemums and scrolling foliage against a rich black enamel ground. The flowers are arranged in a harmonious pattern, with delicate wirework and a sophisticated combination of colors.

**This exceptional attention to the underside of the cover is an important indication of the quality and artistic ambition of the piece.** Many Japanese cloisonne covered vessels were produced with relatively simple interior finishes, making such elaborate decoration particularly noteworthy. The willingness to devote considerable time and craftsmanship to a surface that would ordinarily remain unseen suggests the work of a highly accomplished workshop, potentially one associated with the leading masters of Meiji period cloisonne.

The combination of the magnificent dragon, richly decorated lower panels, elaborate floral borders, and extensive use of goldstone enamel creates an exceptionally sophisticated decorative composition. Particularly impressive is the way the artist has incorporated multiple distinct ornamental themes into a harmonious overall design.

Japanese cloisonne reached extraordinary levels of technical and artistic refinement during the Meiji period, when leading workshops developed increasingly sophisticated methods of enamel shading, complex wire decoration, and elaborate ornamental compositions. The successful integration of goldstone enamel with detailed figural decoration and multicolored floral motifs required considerable technical skill.

The substantial scale of this covered jar further enhances its presence. At 12 inches tall, it is considerably larger than many surviving examples of Japanese cloisonne covered vessels, allowing the intricate decoration to be appreciated across a broad and beautifully proportioned surface.

With its magnificent dragon, brilliant goldstone enamel, richly colored decorative panels, and exceptionally elaborate removable cover, this remarkable jar represents a striking example of Japanese Meiji period decorative artistry.

Its combination of impressive size, technical sophistication, and extraordinary visual richness makes it an appealing addition to a collection of Japanese cloisonne or an exceptional decorative centerpiece.

**Origin:** Japan

**Period:** Meiji period (1868–1912), circa 1895

**Materials:** Cloisonne enamel, goldstone enamel, metal mounts

**Dimensions:**
- Height: 12 inches
- Width: 8 inches

**Condition:** Good antique condition, with minor surface wear consistent with age and use. The removable cover is present and fits onto the jar. The piece retains its beautiful enamel decoration and displays exceptionally well. Please refer to the photographs for additional details. See less