Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonné Black Enamel Vase with Flowers and Butterflies

A fine pair of Japanese Meiji period cloisonne enamel vases. By the Ohta Cloisonne workshop of Aichi Prefecture, Japan. T...

A fine antique Japanese flower vase. In hand-hammered copper (or possibly a thin-bodied bronze) with applied silver bands to rim, footrim, shaped edge, and with a lotus petal border at the joint of neck and body. Having the usubata form with a wide flared neck and mouth. The 'usubata' vase is a form favored for large scale floral arrangements by the Ikenobo school, the oldest and largest school of Japanese ikebana founded in the 15th century by Buddhist monk Senno Ikenobo. It is believed that the wide and shallow rim of an usubata vase which displays the surface of the water best imitates natural conditions of growth while also contributing to the longevity of an arrangement with the increased surface area of the water better oxygenating the plants. The base retains still retains hand-hammered marks. There is evidence of seams and folds throughout from the construction, and the surface has a cloud-like brown patina throughout. Simply a wonderful Japanese mixed metal vase...