Of elegant circular form with gently domed cover, finely worked in silver wire on a rich midnight-blue ground. The cover is decorated with a naturalistic spray of nanohana (rape blossom), rendered with pale celadon-green leaves and delicate yellow flowers, the decoration continuing seamlessly around the sides of the box.
The interior is equally refined, demonstrating the high standard of workmanship. The inside of the cover is finished in soft celadon enamel and decorated with four finely executed butterflies in polychrome enamels, while the interior of the base displays an intricate swirling silver-wire design suggestive of stylised water or clouds (uzumon), reserved against the same translucent celadon ground. The harmonious contrast between the deep exterior and luminous interior reflects the restrained elegance characteristic of fine Meiji-period cloisonné.
Diameter: 13.5 cm Height: 5.5 cm
Condition: Excellent overall antique condition. The enamels are beautifully preserved throughout. Under close inspection, the interior enamel displays a few minute firing flow lines inherent to the manufacturing process, together with insignificant age-related wear. These are extremely subtle and do not detract from the overall appearance or quality of the piece.
