Vase
Unknown Artist
1865–71
Medium
Cloisonné enamel
Dimensions
H. 24 3/4 in. (62.9 cm); W. 10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm); D. 10 3/4 in. (27.3 cm) Diam. of rim: 10 5/8 in. (27 cm) Diam. of foot: 7 in. (17.8 cm)
Classification
Cloisonné
Culture & Period
Japan · Edo (1615–1868) or Meiji period (1868–1912)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Mrs. Russell Sage, 1916
Accession Number
16.98.1
Tags
Art Historical Context
This elegant vase, crafted in Japan between 1865 and 1871, captures a pivotal moment in the nation's artistic history. Created during the final years of the Edo period or the early Meiji era, it reflects Japan's increasing engagement with international trade and Western interest in Japanese decorative arts. The unknown artist employed cloisonné enamel, a technique in which thin metal wires form delicate compartments on the surface, filled with vibrant colored enamels and fired to create luminous, jewel-like effects. Such works were often produced for export, showcasing Japan's refined craftsma...