Lot 312: A group of Japanese cloisonné enamel vases and damascene miniature plates, Meiji to Taisho period

This group of decorative objects comprises two matching cloisonné enamel vases and three miniature metal plates with damascene inlay. The ovoid vases feature multi-coloured floral and foliate motifs in green, red, yellow, and orange enamels against a deep brown ground containing gold-tone flecks, creating a goldstone effect. The vases are constructed with fine wire work on a metal substrate, with gilded rims and foot rings.

The trio of miniature circular plates are executed in a damascene technique, with gold and silver-toned metal inlays set into a darkened metal base. Each plate is displayed on a three-footed wire stand and features distinct subjects: one plate depicts a dragon amongst clouds; the second shows a landscape with a multi-storey pagoda, Mount Fuji, and a traditional building accented with small enamel flowers; the third features a bamboo grove design. A white adhesive label is present on the body of one vase with the hand-written number 12935.