Japanese Cloisonné – Meiji Period Brilliance in Enamel
The Malcolm Fairley Gallery offers a remarkable selection of Japanese cloisonné, showcasing the height of enamel artistry from the Meiji period (1868–1912). Revered for its precision and technical mastery, Japanese cloisonné reached unprecedented technical and artistic refinement during this era, becoming one of the most admired decorative forms in Japanese art.
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Hayashi Kodenji
A cloisonné enamel vase delicately worked in silver wire with flowers on the banks of a stream including purple and white irises and chrysanthemums
Signed Dai Nihon Aichi Hayashi saku
Meiji Period, circa 1900
Gonda Hirosuke
A partial plique a jour bowl, finely worked in silver wire and translucent enamel with pink and yellow lilies and floating leaves
Meiji Period, circa 1910
Gonda Hirosuke
A pair of musen enamel ovoid vases, each delicately worked entirely in wireless enamel with stems of red and white roses
Meiji period circa 1910
An unusual cloisonné enamel vase worked in silver wire with a procession of fish on a graduated ground
Meiji period, circa 1890
Honda Yosaburo (attributed to)
A cloisonné enamel dish, worked in silver and copper-wire with a central panel of a ho-o
A fine cloisonné enamel box and cover, depicting natural white and yellow chrysanthemums with trailing design worked in silver wire on a midnight blue ground, applied with silvered mounts,
Meiji period, circa 1900
Hayashi Kodenji
A pair of cloisonné enamel vases
Goto Seizaburo (attributed to)
A cloisonné enamel dish
Kumeno Teitaro (attributed to)
A cloisonné enamel box and cover
SOLD A cloisonné enamel charger, worked in typical muted colours with an eagle perched above stylized waves.
Meiji period, circa 1860
Gonda Hirosuke
A pair of fine imperial presentation cloisonné enamel vases
SOLD Namikawa Sosuke
Fine Cloisonné enamel tray delicately worked in musen with silver wire detail depicting two sparrows
Meiji period, circa 1895
Honda Yosaburo (attributed)
A cloisonné enamel vase of flattened pear form, finely worked in silver wire with butterflies amongst flowers
Meiji Period, circa 1885
SOLD Hayashi Tanigoro
A pair of cloisonne enamel vases by Hayashi decorated with a landscape with mountains
Meiji Period, circa 1900
SOLD Honda Yosaburo (attributed to)
A large cloisonné enamel vase finely worked in silver wire with four panel
The Craft of Japanese Cloisonné
Japanese cloisonné involves the application of coloured enamel into fine metal wire cells (cloisons) affixed to a metal base, followed by multiple firings and painstaking polishing. The result is a luminous, smooth surface featuring delicate patterns, from floral and avian themes to landscapes and symbolic motifs. Artisans working in Japan elevated this technique to perfection during the late 19th century.
Masterpieces of Design and Technical Precision
At Malcolm Fairley Ltd, our collection includes vases, dishes, bowls, boxes, incense burners and panels that exemplify the sophistication and elegance of Japanese cloisonné. These pieces were often created for international expositions and collectors abroad, embodying both national pride and technical mastery. Several works in our collection are attributed to leading artists such as Namikawa Yasuyuki, Namikawa Sōsuke and Hayashi Kodenji.
Why Collect Japanese Cloisonné?
Collectors value Japanese cloisonné not only for its vibrant beauty but for the mastery it represents. Each piece is a celebration of form, colour and craft, requiring extraordinary patience and precision. As interest in Meiji period decorative art continues to grow, these objects remain highly desirable and increasingly rare.
Curated for Connoisseurs of Japanese Decorative Art
We select our examples of Japanese cloisonné with the same care and scrutiny as all items in our gallery. Each piece is thoroughly researched, documented and presented in exceptional condition, making it suitable for collectors, scholars and institutions alike.
Visit the Gallery or Arrange a Private Viewing
Our Central London gallery is pleased to offer private viewings of Japanese cloisonné, either in person or by appointment. These works represent the pinnacle of Meiji decorative art, timeless treasures to be studied, appreciated, and preserved.