Pair of Antique Japanese Cloisonné Vases with Black Mirror Enamel & Fish Scale Motif Meiji Period

Name: Pair of Antique Japanese Cloisonné Vases with Black Mirror Enamel & Fish Scale Motif Meiji Period
Brand: Collectors Gene
Price: 590.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

An elegant pair of antique Japanese cloisonné vases dating to the Meiji period, finished in deep black mirror enamel with finely executed repeating fish scale patterning in gilt wirework. Each vase features a softly rounded baluster form with a flared neck and subtle decorative flourishes near the rim, all accented with warm gilt detailing.

The intricate fish scale motif painstakingly created through delicate cloisonné wirework and enamel application gives the surface remarkable visual depth and texture while maintaining a restrained, sophisticated palette. Against the rich black enamel ground, the gold detailing catches light beautifully, lending the pair a quietly dramatic presence.

Produced during Japan’s celebrated Meiji era, when cloisonné craftsmanship reached extraordinary technical refinement, these vases embody the precision and artistry that made Japanese enamel work internationally admired at the turn of the century.

Collectors Notes

Meiji-period cloisonné occupies a fascinating intersection of decorative art and technical mastery. While many examples from the era lean heavily floral or highly ornate, this pair feels notably restrained and architectural qualities that allow them to integrate effortlessly into both traditional and contemporary interiors.

The repeating fish scale motif carries symbolic associations with strength, protection, and prosperity in Japanese decorative arts, while the dark mirror-like enamel gives the vases an almost modern sensibility despite their age.

Beautiful displayed on a bookshelf, console, or cocktail table, they work especially well layered among silver, dark wood, or Art Deco-inspired interiors. Their scale also makes them versatile enough for use as petite floral vessels or simply as sculptural decorative objects.

A refined pair for collectors of Japanese decorative arts, cloisonné enamelwork, or quietly dramatic objects with exceptional craftsmanship.

They're a fitting addition to our Home Decor collection, and a dramatic Housewarming Gifts pick.

Dimensions

7"

Shipping

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Who Are You Buying From?

Every object here has a journey before it ever reaches you. I've spent years seeking these pieces out, in back rooms of old ateliers, from families who've inherited more than they can keep, through dealers I've come to trust, in conversations with people who still work with their hands, because I've always believed the things we choose to live with should carry something true. What began as a private obsession became a devotion, one I now share with my wife and daughter, who remind me daily that the best collections are the ones built to be passed down, not simply owned. What you're holding isn't just an object. You're inheriting its story, and becoming part of its next chapter.