Experimental Japanese Cloisonne Lacquered Vase by Okamoto

  

Here is an amazing experimental work leveraging lacquer on a porcelain body or foundation. I referred to this technique as urushi shippo or lacquered cloisonné. In the reference book, in Chapter 12, I provided two illustrated vases (pages 91 & 92) where a lacquered ground is utilized on a porcelain and earthenware foundation respectively. Chapter 12 - Totai Shippo - Cloisonne enamels in which a ceramic, earthenware or porcelain body or foundation is utilized, Japanese Cloisonne Enamels; A Private Collectors Notes and Reference Guide, by Gary Yoshino, page 77 through 93.

As many collectors know, the lacquered ground was proven to be far too susceptible to damage so very few examples appear to have survived the rigors of time. In my 30+ years of focused collecting, I have only seen a handful of these lacquered works and most of them were damaged, some significantly, but they clearly showed how the interesting but delicate technique was applied. In this fascinating example, the vase is simply decorated with two colorful butterflies worked in various shades of enamel on a dark brown lacquered ground, similar to a dark chocolate color and consistency. The two butterflies are realistically rendered and appear to literally fly out against the rich deep brown ground. As expected, there are several small scratches and scuffs to the delicate lacquered surface, but the overall condition is surprisingly good for this seldom encountered technique.

The bottom of the vaseis signed in three kanji characters, Oka-moto Sei, which means, made by Okamoto. Many collectors will recognize Okamoto as a prolific totai shippo artist from Kobe, Japan who specialized in a familiar technique known as tree bark enamel.

It is anticipated that this specific signature (mark only) will be included in a future publication on Japanese cloisonne. The height of this vase is approximately 5.75 inches.

The width of the vase is approximately 3.25 inches. Overall, a very rare example of urushi shippo in excellent condition (despite the expected small nicksand scratches) signed by the Okamoto workshop from Kobe, Japan.

Due to the fragile nature of Japanese cloisonné enamels, this vase will be double boxed and packed with tremendous care. The item "Experimental Japanese Cloisonne Lacquered Vase by Okamoto" is in sale since Thursday, July 30, 2020. This item is in the category "Antiques\Asian Antiques\Japan\Vases". The seller is "gyassociates" and is located in Carlsbad, California.

This item can be shipped to United States.

• Primary Material: Cloisonne
• Age: 1850-1899
• Featured Refinements: Japanese Cloisonne Vase
• Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
• Region of Origin: Japan
• Color: Deep & Rich Dark Brown Lacquered Ground
• Maker: Okamoto from Kobe, Japan