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A brief history of "cloisonné" enamel in China and Japan
A brief history of cloisonné enamel in China and Japan
The arts of the Far East are known for having a tremendous impact in Europe since the 1850s. The lack of commercial trade restrictions between Japan and the West permitted large quantities of antique bronzes, jades or porcelain to flood the European market. The presentation of Japanese art at the International Exhibition of 1862 in London made stylish the decoration techniques of metal particularly cloisonné enamel.
Japanese cloisonné enamel consists of soldering bronze threads or copper wires to form small receptacles in which various colored enamels will be poured into. Enamel is a mixture of glass paste and metal oxides that give the color: gold oxide transmits red and pink colors, tin oxide creates white color and cobalt makes blue. The mixture is heated to liquefaction and then vitrified by merging with the metal holder. Each layer of enamel is then polished before the next layer is applied.
This technique was first used in China in the early 15th century, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The cloisonné enamels were then characterized by motifs of lotus petals treated with pure colors such as blue, black, white, green and yellow. These are found mostly on boxes, cups and vases. In the 16th and 17th centuries, more important objects with a rich range of colors were made. The decors were developed with animal representations and symbols derived from Taoism. The imperial manufacture of cloisonné enamel reached its apogee during the reign of Qianlong (Qing Dynasty), between 1736 and 1795. The table services were decorated with enamels and many decorations were invented.
Japan began to use
this technique in the 16th century. Nevertheless, the Golden Age of Japanese cloisonné did not occur until the early 19th century, during the Edo period, and reached its zenith during the Meiji period, between 1868 and 1912. In 1873, the cloisonné fabrication in Nagoya, based in Toshima, won the first prize at the International Exhibition in Vienna. Many factories of cloisonné enamel then moved around Toshima which quickly became the main center of enamel production. It has been estimated that 70% of Japanese cloisonné enamels were made by Toshima factories.
Expertissim currently offers a pair of 19th century Japanese vases finely decorated with colored enamels representing phoenixes and dragons as well as floral motifs. The thoroughness and quality of the decor are outstanding works which will have the most beautiful effect in any home!
Manuella de Brondeau
Valuation
Cabinet Portier - Th. Portier & A. Bulhmann
Asian Art.
Large dish decorated with a couple of pheasants along a river shore
Reference: 2010060032
Items 1
Period: Japan, circa 1900
Dimensions: Diam : 55 cm (21-1/2 in.).
Valuation:
NC
Bronze and cloisonné enamel polychrome dish on a blue ground decorated with a couple of pheasants along a river shore bordered with peonies and flowering plum tree in which a bird is flying off.
Japan, circa 1900
Diam : 55 cm (21-1/2 in.).
