I have been helping an elderly couple dispose of their estate for the last several months. They bought exquisite oriental pieces in the 1950's and 60's. Last month I sold a rare chinese recumbent elephant for them. They recently consigned this magnificent japanese cloisonné dragon vase. It is quite large, standing approximately 11" tall and 9" square.
The early gilt wire piece dates to about 1870-1880 and was probably made in Nagoya. I found a similar vase on the cover of an old japanese cloisonné book. The work was painstaking and precise with each color fired separately. Some of the cells have inherent color changes which must have been quite difficult to achieve. The inner construction is precise and superb and even the bottom is intricately finished.
I am displaying the piece at San Francisco and thought I better take pictures before it leaves. It is one of the finest objects that I have ever had.
