Located in Long Island City, NY, NY
An exceptionally rare and monumental pair of Japanese cloisonné enamel on porcelain covered jars, attributed to the celebrated Meiji-period enameler Takeuchi Chubei (竹内忠兵衛), associated with the important Shippo Gaisha workshop, circa 1875–1885.
These magnificent covered jars represent an extraordinary achievement in Japanese decorative arts during the early Meiji period. Their monumental proportions, exceptionally elaborate polychrome decoration, unusual porcelain construction, and remarkable state of preservation as a matched pair distinguish them as important examples of nineteenth-century Japanese craftsmanship.
Each jar is of imposing ovoid form, rising to pronounced shoulders and a short cylindrical neck, surmounted by an elaborate domed cover with a projecting rim and distinctive flattened finial. Every visible surface is richly decorated with exceptionally intricate cloisonné enamelwork, combining naturalistic floral ornament with sophisticated geometric patterns and elaborate architectural borders.
The principal bodies are covered in delicate polychrome floral sprays against a rich aubergine-brown ground, with blossoms in shades of yellow, white, orange, lavender, and pale blue, interspersed with brilliant turquoise and emerald-green foliage. The flowers are surrounded by an intricate network of scrolling tendrils, creating a remarkably harmonious decorative composition.
Dominating the principal faces are magnificent ornamental medallions outlined in yellow enamel, incorporating alternating sections of emerald-green latticework and cobalt-blue geometric patterns. These elaborate reserves frame symmetrical compositions of scrolling arabesques, stylized foliage, and floral motifs in turquoise, pale blue, coral, white, and green.
Particularly striking are the large turquoise and cobalt-blue scrolling ornaments appearing on the sides of the jars, which bear compelling stylistic similarities to documented examples associated with Takeuchi Chubei and the Shippo Gaisha.
The shoulders, necks, and covers are enriched with exceptionally complex geometric borders incorporating interlocking fretwork, repeating triangular patterns, and delicate spiral ornament. Even the flattened finials are individually decorated with multicolored floral motifs, demonstrating the extraordinary attention devoted to every detail.
The monumental scale, remarkable complexity of decoration, and unusual porcelain construction make this pair an outstanding example of jitai shippo (磁胎七宝), the technically demanding Japanese art of cloisonné enamel applied to porcelain rather than the more conventional metal foundation.
Attribution to Takeuchi Chubei and the Shippo Gaisha:
Takeuchi Chubei was an important Japanese enameler active during the Meiji period, particularly associated with the production of cloisonné enamel on porcelain.
This specialized technique required close collaboration between porcelain manufacturers and master enamelers, with ceramic bodies produced in centers such as Seto and subsequently decorated with intricate wire-defined enamelwork in the Nagoya region.
The attribution of the present monumental pair to Takeuchi Chubei is supported by significant stylistic and technical comparisons with signed examples offered at Christie's and documented works preserved in important Japanese and American museum collections.
Of particular importance is a rare pair of cloisonné enamelled porcelain vases offered at Christie's, Japanese Craftsmanship: Art of the Meiji Period, Lot 86, bearing the signature Dainihon seizo Shippo gaisha kojin Takeuchi Chubei.
The Christie's pair, measuring approximately 35.7 cm in height, incorporates elaborate scrolling motifs, stylized flowers, and richly colored geometric ornament. The distinctive decorative vocabulary bears particularly compelling similarities to the present monumental jars, especially the large turquoise and cobalt-blue scrolling compositions.
A further important comparison is a signed cloisonné enamelled Arita porcelain vase offered at Christie's, measuring approximately 58 cm in height and bearing the signature Shippo Takeuchi Chubei. The auction catalogue references a closely related example preserved in the Aichi Prefectural Ceramic Museum, Japan.
Important Museum Comparisons:
The significance of Takeuchi Chubei's work is further demonstrated by examples preserved in major institutional collections.
Tokyo National Museum, Japan
The museum preserves an important pair of large covered porcelain jars decorated with birds and flowers, dated 1881, with porcelain bodies attributed to Kawamoto Masukichi...
Category
19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Arita Vases and Vessels
