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A Fine Japanese Gold-Wire Cloisonné Enamel Charger with Fruit, Flowers and a Mantis
Meiji period (1868–1912)
Of shallow circular form, finely worked in gold wire against a deep black enamel ground with a large central composition of a woven basket overflowing with fruit, flowers and broad overlapping leaves, the basket suspended from an arched handle and intricately rendered with open latticework and bound sections.
The foliage and fruit are particularly finely modelled in subtly graduated enamels, the colours passing from pale celadon and yellow-green through olive, ochre, russet and soft brown, with delicately mottled and speckled surfaces creating a remarkably naturalistic sense of ripeness, texture and depth. Scattered blossoms and smaller leaves provide further accents of white, pale pink, yellow and vivid green.
A small praying mantis is depicted among the foliage, minutely worked in fine gold wire and delicately shaded green enamels, while a white lily rises above the basket, adding further movement to the asymmetrical composition.
The outer edge is enclosed by a narrow formal border of minute coloured enamel motifs beneath a gilt rim. The reverse is richly decorated on a warm brown ground with a dense repeating spiral pattern in gold wire, the recessed central reserve enamelled in vivid turquoise blue.
The composition is notable for its sophisticated use of tonal shading, finely controlled wirework and naturalistic treatment of fruit and foliage, combining considerable technical precision with a distinctly painterly effect.
Diameter: 30.5 cm Height: 3.5 cm
Condition: Good overall condition, with light surface wear commensurate with age. No enamel losses, damage or restoration observed.
