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Subject:Vase
Posted By: Keith Sun, Jan 04, 2015 IP: 66.234.203.244

I am in possession of this lovely vase. I know that it is at least 60 years old, possibly older than that. I believe it is cloisonné. I am not certain whether this fine vase is Chinese or Japanese. It depicts several interesting images, including men playing Go. If I had to guess, I would guess that it is Chinese. It would only be a guess though.

Can anyone tell me if this beautiful vase is Chinese or Japanese? Can you give me any information at all about it. I am unable to find anything like this online. Thank you so very much.







Subject:Japanese
Posted By: beadiste Sun, Jan 04, 2015

The overall shape, smooth unbroken bright turquoise background, collar decoration, swamp green interior enamel, and the hairstyles and clothing just look Japanese to me.

Plus, Go is a Japanese game.

As to what era - Meiji (1868-1912), Taisho (1912-26) or Showa (1926-1986), I'm not hip enough to Japanese cloisonne styles to venture a guess, altho c1890-1920s seems likely.

Subject:Better picture of other side?
Posted By: beadiste Mon, Jan 05, 2015

Something interesting seems to be represented there.

Subject:Re: Better picture of other side?
Posted By: Keith Tue, Jan 06, 2015

What side would you like a better picture of? Where they are playing Go? Or a better picture of where the dragon is? Is there a specific thing you would like to see a better view of? Let me know. I will take a photo and post it.

Subject:The dragon and the person with the hat, please
Posted By: beadiste Wed, Jan 07, 2015

Staying tuned...

Subject:Re: Better picture of other side?
Posted By: Keith Tue, Jan 06, 2015

Here are different views of the vase. Hope this helps.

I would appreciate any information at all that you could give to me about this piece. Thank you.







Subject:Shishi-mai - Japanese Lion dance performers
Posted By: beadiste Wed, Jan 07, 2015

You can read up on it via Wikipedia and do some Google image searches, if you fee so inclined. I'm not enough up to speed on Japanese folk culture to identify the other performers and objects, but perhaps someone on this forum can provide more info.

This seems like an unusual vase - far different from the assortment of Japanese cloisonne vases featuring flowers, birds, dragons, and phoenixes and brocade patterns that appear frequently on eBay, for example.

You didn't mention it, so I'm presuming there's no signature seal anywhere on the base?

Subject:Re: Shishi-mai - Japanese Lion dance performers
Posted By: Keith Thu, Jan 08, 2015

No, there is no signature seal or any other marking on the base on anywhere else on the piece. This and the unusual subject matter for Japanese cloisonne is what made me think it might be Chinese.

I also have this Japanese cloisonné charger plate. More typical of Japanese cloisonné, it depicts birds. It has a professionally applied bracket for hanging. What seems unusual to me is that this piece depicts a large bird attacking smaller birds. In your knowledge, is this a common theme for Japanese cloisonné? It also has no signature seal or other markings. Can you tell me anything at all about this piece? Is it really just ordinary or typical Japanese cloisonné for its era? I have a couple of other interesting items, but I will put them on a separate posting. Thank you very much for discussing these items with me.





Subject:Naturalism
Posted By: beadiste Fri, Jan 09, 2015

I've seen other Japanese chargers featuring falcons, and one memorable pair showing a snake raiding a birds' nest. Naturalism vs the more stylized and symbolic Chinese menagerie.

Subject:Re: Naturalism
Posted By: Bill H Sat, Jan 10, 2015

I believe the Japanese idealize birds of prey in much the same way Westerners do, as symbols of valor, nobleness, strength and victory. The "hawks vs doves" comparison comes through graphically in this probably Meiji-era place card holder in copper with image of an eagle with pigeon in its talons. Wonder if this was for use when the main course was squab? :)

Best regards,

Bill H.



Subject:Re: Better picture of other side?
Posted By: Bill H Sun, Jan 11, 2015

While delving into one of my Japanese porcelain cups in the "children playing" pattern, I came across this past auction listing for a Japanese cloisonné vase which is stylistically related to yours and dated by the auctioneer simply as 19th century. This one didn't get any offers at auction, possibly because of its high opening bid and estimated worth. Its condition also looks somewhat less well kept than yours.

Along with that link, I'm including a shot of the aforementioned "children playing" cup for comparison of how Japan's leading porcelain exporter of the late 19th century treated this motif.

Best regards,

Bill H.




URL Title :Japan Cloisonne


Subject:Re: Better picture of other side?
Posted By: Keith Sun, Jan 11, 2015

Hello Bill,

Yes, the style in the "Scene of Children Playing" vase is very similar to mine, more similar than anything I have seen before. Thank you for assisting me in learning about this piece.

Best regards,

Keith


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