191 - A LARGE AND FINE PLIQUE-À-JOUR ‘BLOSSOMING IRISES' BOWL

A LARGE AND FINE PLIQUE-À-JOUR ‘BLOSSOMING IRISES' BOWL Japan, Meiji period (1868-1912) Of elegant form, the deep, gently rounded sides supported on a slightly flaring foot, the mouth and foot applied with silver mounts. The body is exquisitely decorated in vibrant translucent polychrome enamels delineated by delicate silver wire, depicting a profusion of blossoming irises (shobu) amid gracefully sweeping grasses against a finely bubble-suffused ground. The luminous enamels create a remarkable stained-glass effect, allowing light to penetrate the delicate floral composition. HEIGHT 6.2 cm, DIAMETER 15.1 cm WEIGHT 283.4 g Provenance: From the collection of Adrianus Schouten, Netherlands, assembled over approximately 45 years. Condition: Very good condition with typical manufacturing-inherent flaws, including minor pitting and fine hairline cracks, a small loss to the interior, and light tarnishing to the silver mounts. Plique-à-jour, known in Japan as shotai shippo, is among the most technically demanding cloisonné techniques. Unlike conventional cloisonné, the metal foundation is dissolved after firing, leaving only the delicate silver wires and translucent enamels, which transmit light like stained glass. The process requires extraordinary precision, as the fragile enamel structure must remain intact without its supporting metal body. The present bowl is particularly impressive for its unusually large size, luminous colors, and intricate floral decoration, exemplifying the remarkable technical virtuosity of Meiji-period enamelers. Auction comparison: Compare a closely related plique-à-jour bowl decorated with various blossoming flowers against a similarly bubble-suffused ground, dated to the Meiji period, measuring only 11.1 cm in diameter, at Zacke, Fine Japanese Art, 2 December 2022, Vienna, lot 115 (sold for EUR 4,420).