Cloisonné Enamel Shallow Bowl

Late Edo-Meiji
Likely late 19th century - Early 20th century

Object
15 1/2 x 15 3/4 x 2 3/4 in. (39.37 x 40.005 x 6.985 cm)

This object has the following keywords:

• cloisonné - A technique of enameling in which the design is laid down in thin metal strips on a metal or porcelain ground, forming chambers (cloisons) to receive the vitreous enamel pastes.
• enamel - A semi-transparent or opaque vitreous, porcelain-like coating applied by fusion to metal, glass, or ceramic, having a glossy appearance after hardening. Enamel is typically made from powdered fusible glasses (e.g., quartz, feldspar, clay, soda, and borax) and opaque colorants (e.g., cobalt blue, tin oxide) mixed with oil or water, then painted or sprayed on the object and fired up to 800 C. Enamel is used to protect a surface, to decorate objects in various colors and patterns, to form a surface for encaustic painting, and for other purposes.
• Late Edo - Refers to the phase of the Edo period that developed from approximately 1789 to 1868. The style is characterized by the rise of the Ukiyo-e school of printing.
• Meiji - Period and style that coincides with the rule of emperor Mutsuhito, called Meiji, from 1868 to 1912. The period is characterized by a transformation from feudalism to a modern industrial state, taking western nations as a model. After the Vienna Exposition of 1873, artists were encouraged to produce traditional arts and crafts for export, such as carvings in wood and ivory and laquer. The art of the period also saw the influence of western art and architecture.