A FINE PAIR OF MIDNIGHT-BLUE CLOISONNÉ VASES WITH SPARROWS AND SAKURA BLOSSOMS Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Each of baluster form, applied with silver rims, supported on a slightly spreading base, the rounded shoulder rising to short necks with flared rims, the body decorated in fine polychrome enamels depicting suzume (sparrows) flying among blossoming sakura (cherry) trees above a meadow floor sprouting kiku (chrysanthemum) and shobu (iris). HEIGHT each 15.3 cm WEIGHT each 128 g Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, typical minuscule losses to enamels, and a single dent (c. 5 mm) near the base to the verso of one vase. Provenance: From an old Austrian private collection.

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