Meiji Japanese Cloisonné Wall Charger, Kyoto School, Chrysanthemums and Butterfly

A superb late‑19th‑century Japanese cloisonné enamel wall charger, Kyoto school, circa 1890–1910. The copper body is worked in exceptionally fine gilt wires with a fan‑shaped cartouche of chrysanthemums, bird and butterfly on a sky‑blue ground, framed by a luxurious brocade of geometric and floral patterns. Reverse with pale blue counter‑enamel decorated with cloud‑scroll spirals; original gilt rim. A striking, exhibition‑quality example of Meiji shippo-yaki made for the Western market. Diameter: 30.5 cm (12 in) Provenance: Private collection, UK. Typical of Meiji export wares sold through Kyoto/Nagoya retailers into Britain and Europe around 1900; this piece is consistent with long-held private-collection examples. While unsigned (which is very common for export wares), the density of the pattern and the quality of the wirework suggest a competent workshop, possibly that of Ota Toshiro or the Inaba company, both of whom specialized in these tight, textile-inspired geometric designs. Ready to hang or display Condition: Excellent display condition. Front: High-gloss surface with expected micro‑pits and light wear; minor specks and tiny pin-prick losses to enamel in places; gentle rubbing to gilt rim. Reverse: Stable age lines/crazing in the counter‑enamel and handling scratches; small rim nicks and patination spots from age. Origin: Japan Time Period: 1890–1910 Date and school: Late Meiji period, circa 1885–1910. The ultra-fine “brocade” (nishiki) ground, uchiwa fan cartouche and pale blue spiral counter‑enamel are characteristic of the Kyoto school that developed after the international expositions of the 1870s–90s, strongly influenced by masters such as Namikawa Yasuyuki. Context: Cloisonné (shippo-yaki) became one of Japan’s most admired export arts in the Meiji era. Workshops in Kyoto and Nagoya perfected hair‑thin gilt wires and jewel‑like enamels, often borrowing motifs from textiles—exactly the mix of hexagons, asanoha, seigaiha and other patterns seen here. Wall plaques/chargers like this were made specifically for Western interiors.