Cloisonné Enamelware

This exquisitely intricate Totai Shippo piece is dated to c.1880 from the Japanese Meiji era (1868-1912 ).

Totai Shippo is the technique of applying Cloisonné enamel to ceramic believed to have been discovered by Sukamoto Kaisuke (b.1828 - d.1887) some time around 1868. Traditional Cloisonné of using thin wire or metal to contain different coloured enamels applied to a metal vessel itself is already a revered technique. Totai Shippo elevates the technique to another level when you consider the detailed wired sections of this piece is as small as 1-2mm in width.

This particular piece bears two 'faces', a panel on each side that displays the detailed design of butterflies, Chrysanthemums and Anemones in tones of Dusted Powder and Cobalt Blue, Oxblood Red and Apple Green. Encircling the panels are features of Sakura buds and blossom interwoven with the Teal patterned background. 

This excellent work of art makes for a superbly decorative and highly collectable art feature.

CONDITION
Very Good. There is age-related wear to the enamel and crazing on the non-enamelled sections that is commensurable with the age of the piece, please see photos as they form part of the condition report.

MEASUREMENTS
Height: c. 3.9" / 10 cm by c. 3.4" / 8.6 cm diameter (across widest point). Base diameter: c. 1.9" /  4.7 cm. Rim diameter: c. 1.6" / 4.1 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 0.2 kg / 220 g

NOTES
Jar will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY
Japanese Cloisonne enamelware is a technique introduced to Japan around the Tokugawa period during the 16th century.

Cloisonne or 'Cloisonné' are metalwork objects with decoration that is applied by creating separating sections using wire or thin metal. The sections are filled with different coloured enamels to create a visual image or pattern and the whole piece be fired multiple times to realise the colours.

THE ITEM
This intricately painted work is Cantonese Enamelware, a technique of hand-painting and firing enamel introduced to China around the18th century. Cantonese Enamelware is different from Cloisonne or 'Cloisonné' technique, which is metalwork decorated with enamel applied to sections separated by wire or thin metal.

This particular set comprises of a matchbox cover, two ashtrays and a storage tin made of copper. The set is rare as all pieces are decorated in the same design and colour palette. What is rarer is that although the pieces are in delicate condition, the wear on the decor is relatively light.

The design theme present on all pieces is the striking Lapis blue background which is overlaid with stylised peaches and peach blossom. The design is typical of the Art Deco and Art Nouveau period when design often included influences from the East. Each piece is further decorated with their own ancient familial scenes. The interior and undersides of the tin and ashtrays are decorated with a pale Turquoise blue.

CONDITION
Good. Apparent wear is present to the enamel of each piece that is commensurable with the age. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report.

MEASUREMENTS
- Storage Tin. Height (including lid): c. 2.2" / 5.6 cm x c. 4.1" / 10.5 cm length. Width: c. 3" / 7.5 cm.
- Matchbox Cover. Height: c. 0.9" / 2.3 cm x c. 2.3" / 5.8 cm length. Width: c. 1.6" / 4 cm.
- Ashtray. Height: c. 0.6" / 1.5 cm x c. 3.3" / 8.3 cm length. Width: c. 2.4" / 6 cm.
Unpackaged weight [full set]: c. 0.3 kg / 268 g

NOTES
Set will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.