A superb pair of Japanese silver-wire cloisonné enamel vases in the manner of Namikawa Sōsuke.
In baluster shape finely worked in silver wire and enamel, depicting a white-eye bird (mejiro) perched delicately among flowering plum branches, rendered against a rare and elegant soft grey enamel ground.
The pictorial composition is defined by restrained asymmetry and painterly enamel shading, characteristic of Tokyo cloisonné aesthetics at the turn of the century. The subtle transitions of colour and the fine silver-wire delineation reflect a masterful level of craftsmanship and a strong artistic influence from Sōsuke’s celebrated studio.
The mouth and foot in gilt copper rims and its is bordered with narrow silver-wire geometric bands.
Height: approx. 15 cm
Condition: In good condition commensurate with age No restoration, enamel loss, or structural issues.
Provenance: Private collection, United Kingdom.
An elegant and finely executed pair, remarkable for their subtle colouration, soft ground tone, and confident attribution to the Tokyo school of cloisonné artistry. A rare and desirable acquisition for collectors of refined Meiji-period enamels.
