As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this most majestic Meiji Period 1868-1912, cloisonne enamel rectangular tray manufactured by the Imperial artist Namikawa Sosuke in conjunction with the Meiji Period artist Watanabe Seitei, on this occasion Sosuke has chosen a rectangular panel as his palette to painstakingly reproduce a Seitei painting in wireless enamel ( Musen Jippo), whilst highlighting the cockerels heads and feet with fine gold and silver wire, the scene bordered with solid shakudo and signed Seitei with seal to the front, the rear of the panel finely worked in plum and cherry blossom with a central silver wire artists seal for Namikawa Sosuke.
Literature :
Sosuke was an absolute enamel master who along with his namesake Namikawa Yasayuki ( no relation) became Teishitsu Gigeiin, Imperial artists, Yasayuki worked in the more traditional elaborate and lavish wirework designs that have become synonymous with collectors worldwide, whilst Sosuke preferred to concentrate his skills perfecting the musen jippo (wireless technique). As in this instance and as seen with many of his works Sosuke drew inspiration and collaborated with the famous painter Watanabe Seitei (1851-1918), this tray bears the signature of Seitei with seal to the front as well as the silver wired signature of Sosuke to the rear.
For a similar example see : The Khalili Collection Treasures of imperial Japan -Vol III , plate 100.
Condition Report :
Good overall condition with minor firing flaw at right of Wattanabe signature, and minuscule enamel nick above the higher of the white feathers, both observations very minor and reflected in the asking price .
Approximate Sizes :
Length : 9″ 23 cm
Width : 6 7/8″ 17 cm
Free worldwide delivery and a certificate of authenticity are included in the price of this item. ep 68