As part of our Japanese works of art collection we are delighted to offer this diminutive pair of Meiji Period (1868-1912) enamel vases by the most eminent Nagoya enameller, Hattori Tadasaburo. This small pair of Plique-à-jour vases (shotai-jippo) are delicately worked in silver wire with numerous overlapping colourful chrysanthemums, each vase applied with silver rims and bases , the bases simply signed Hattori . An increasingly scarce survivor when considering the fragile nature of these works.
Literature :
Plique a jour literally means “letting in daylight”, the Japanese technique ( Shotai-Jippo) involved cloisonne artists firing enamel within silver wired cells ( cloisons) not disimilar to cloisonne manufacture except this form was laid upon a temporary copper base, once the enamel had been highly fired the copper base was etched away leaving a translucent enamel stained glass window effect, suspended only by the fine wires between the cloisons. The degree of difficulty is unimaginable with many items taking months to manufacture, naturally the technique proved very challenging , as such there could be many attempts to obtain one perfect example. The surving pieces and scant records suggest that Hattori Tadasaburo was a leading exponent of this art.
Provenance :
Direct from private USA collection.
Previously Sothebys Fine Japanese Art sale , May 2020 – Lot 72 . £3,500.
Condition Report :
Fine condition throughout
Approximate Sizes :
Height : 2 1/4″ 6 cm
Diameter : 2 1/8″ 5.5 cm
Free worldwide delivery and a certificate of authenticity are included within the price of this item.