Meiji Era Decorative Dish, Japan, 1890s

Details

Description

Round plate in bronze and cloissoné enamel designed in Japan at the end of the 19th century, during the 'Meiji' … Read more Round plate in bronze and cloissoné enamel designed in Japan at the end of the 19th century, during the 'Meiji' era, which can be translated as 'enlightened government'. This historical period in Japan was marked by the rule of Emperor Mutsuhito and the change of his country from a feudal system to a policy of industrialization and modernization.
This plate is made of bronze and cloisonné enamel, a goldsmithing technique originally applied to jewellery design. The polychrome decorations depict a small bird in flight, against a blue background coexisting with water lilies and multicoloured flowers. The scenes are bordered by friezes with ornamental motifs. Plates with precise decorations and cheerful colours naturally attract the eye. See less