GOLDEN AGE MEIJI cloisonne vase NAMIKAWA SCHOOL Japanese

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GOLDEN AGE MEIJI cloisonne vase NAMIKAWA SCHOOL Japanese:
$495.00

For your consideration is an exceptional circa late 19th Japanese Meiji period cloisonne vase.

Vase measures 3.75 inches across at its widest point and approximately 9.5 inches high. Condition is superb except for a thin hairline ring of wear in the middle of neck (see photo above) accompanied by a small u-shaped hairline.

This is a prime example of the so-called \"Golden Age\" of Japanese cloisonne making in the late 19th/ early 20th century, when such master craftsmen as Namikawa Yasuyuki and Namikawa Sosuke opened practices which elevated the hitherto decorative craft to fine art. This example is, simply put, one of the finest I have seen, exhibiting an elaborate landscape which features two dogs at the base of a craggy tree and a few homes nestled into the mountains. Surrounding the mountains is a waterfall and ocean with two boats in the distance and a flock of birds flying overhead. Its compositional complexity, subtle tonal shifts and brilliant color recall the virtuoso craftsmanship of Japanese woodblock, an impressive feat considering that this medium is exceedingly more difficult to execute. Fresh to the market from a Washington D.C. estate. Possibly by one of the Namikawas, or at least one of their talented contemporaries, the work is unsigned.