A fine pair of Japanese cloisonné enamel vases decorated with dragons on a rich red ground, Meiji period

Each of elegant baluster form with gently flared neck and narrow foot, the bodies worked in silver wire cloisonné and filled with finely shaded enamels depicting a powerful sinuous dragon emerging through stylised bolts of lightning. The creatures are rendered with exceptional animation: horned heads with fierce expression, flowing whiskers, articulated claws and meticulously scaled bodies that coil dynamically around the curvature of each vase.

The ground is a particularly attractive deep red, subtly graduated in tone toward the base, creating a glowing field against which the pale celadon, white and turquoise tones of the dragons stand in vivid contrast. The lightning is picked out in soft gilt-yellow enamel, adding movement and energy to the composition. The reverse sides are left largely uninterrupted, allowing the richness and depth of the enamel ground to be fully appreciated.

The quality of wire work, the confident drawing of the dragons, and the refined control of colour shading are characteristic of good Meiji period cloisonné produced for the export market, where mythological subjects such as dragons symbolised strength, protection, and imperial power.

Height: 18 cm.

Condition: One vase with a small area of enamel loss (see photograph). Otherwise in very good condition with no further losses or restoration noted.