Of refined double-gourd form with a slender, rising neck above a full, rounded body, the vase is worked in exceptionally fine silver wire with a continuous naturalistic composition of flowering plants, including iris, chrysanthemum and seasonal flora, issuing from dense undergrowth, the decoration unfolding asymmetrically around the body and animated by small birds in flight, rendered with delicacy and restraint, all set against a deep midnight-blue ground and worked in finely shaded enamels of soft greens, pale lilac, ivory and muted yellow tones. The composition demonstrates a high level of control in both wirework and colour transitions, with particular attention to botanical accuracy and spatial balance, the base and rims mounted in gilt metal.
Height: 24.5 cm
Condition: Very good overall condition; minor wear to the gilt mounts consistent with age.
Note:
While unsigned, the present work displays notable affinities in palette, compositional structure and fineness of wire with high-quality late Meiji cloisonné, and in particular bears close stylistic comparison to works associated with Hayashi Kōdenji. This is noted as a stylistic comparison rather than a formal attribution.
