Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Bird and Floral Trinket Box Signed Inaba, Meiji

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Description

An exceptional and beautifully executed Japanese cloisonne enamel box signed Inaba, dating to the Meiji period, circa 1895. Distinguished by … Read more An exceptional and beautifully executed Japanese cloisonne enamel box signed Inaba, dating to the Meiji period, circa 1895. Distinguished by its magnificent golden yellow enamel ground, extraordinarily detailed composition of birds among flowering trees, richly ornamented cobalt blue sides, and finely engraved gilt metal interior, this remarkable antique exemplifies the sophistication and artistic refinement of Japanese decorative arts during the late 19th century.

Of substantial rectangular form, measuring 6 ½ inches wide, the box is raised on four gilt metal bracket feet and features a hinged cover decorated with an elaborate naturalistic landscape. The composition combines delicate flowering branches, colorful birds, seasonal blossoms, and flowing water, all executed in a brilliant palette of contrasting enamels and exceptionally fine metal wirework.

The box is particularly impressive for the remarkable variety of decorative techniques employed throughout its construction, from the detailed pictorial enamelwork of the cover to the intricate floral scrollwork of the sides, the fully enameled underside, and the engraved Japanese landscapes decorating its interior.

The hinged cover presents an extraordinarily vibrant Japanese garden scene against a luminous golden yellow enamel ground.

A magnificent blue bird with an elongated tail is perched upon the branch of a flowering tree, its richly colored plumage rendered in deep cobalt blue, turquoise, ivory white, and touches of green. The individually articulated feathers, finely outlined wings, and delicate facial details demonstrate the precision of the enamelwork.

Surrounding the central bird are several smaller birds in flight, creating a lively and harmonious composition that conveys the movement and vitality of the natural world.

Flowering cherry branches extend across the upper portion of the cover, their delicate blossoms executed in soft pink, lavender, and ivory white. The dark branches provide an elegant contrast against the brilliant yellow ground, while the carefully arranged flowers create a sense of depth and natural movement.

The lower portion of the composition is equally elaborate, incorporating a remarkable variety of flowering plants and foliage.

Clusters of chrysanthemums and other stylized blossoms appear in shades of lavender, pale blue, ivory, coral red, and deep burgundy, interspersed with richly colored green leaves and delicate golden yellow floral centers.

To the right, a magnificent arrangement of Japanese irises rises beside a gently flowing stream. Their dramatic blue, violet, white, and coral red blossoms are rendered with exceptional attention to their individual petals, leaves, and stems.

The flowing water is represented through elegant curving bands of pale blue and white enamel, bordered by naturalistic rocks and foliage.

The entire composition is enclosed within a finely executed dark beaded border, providing a restrained architectural frame to the richly colored pictorial decoration.

The four sides of the box are decorated with an exceptionally attractive cobalt blue enamel ground enriched by intricate scrolling gilt wirework.

Delicate flowering vines extend across the surfaces in an elaborate network of curling tendrils and miniature blossoms. The flowers are individually executed in combinations of ivory white, pale mint green, golden yellow, and deep blue, creating a subtle but visually striking contrast against the saturated blue background.

The extraordinarily fine scrolling wirework produces an almost textile-like effect, recalling the elaborate floral patterns found in traditional Japanese decorative arts.

Each panel is framed by a continuous dark beaded border and gilt metal edging, while the hinged construction and four bracket feet lend the box an elegant architectural appearance.

The combination of the brilliant yellow pictorial cover and the richly ornamented blue sides is especially effective, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of color and decorative balance.

The underside is finished in a beautiful deep turquoise green enamel, decorated with an elaborate arrangement of scrolling vines executed in exceptionally fine metal wire.

The composition features a continuous network of gracefully curling tendrils extending across the entire surface, surrounded by a corresponding ornamental border.

Unlike the highly pictorial decoration of the cover, the underside employs a restrained and harmonious ornamental design, providing an elegant contrast to the elaborate exterior.

The decision to decorate even the underside reflects the considerable attention devoted to the complete object and the high standards of craftsmanship associated with accomplished Meiji period enamel workshops.

The hinged cover opens to reveal a beautifully finished gilt metal interior decorated with delicate engraved Japanese landscapes.

The underside of the lid features a charming composition of Mount Fuji rising above a tranquil body of water, with several small sailing boats arranged across the foreground.

The mountain is represented through finely engraved lines defining its distinctive summit and gently descending slopes, while the boats and subtle indications of water create a peaceful and atmospheric scene.

The interior base is similarly decorated with an engraved architectural landscape depicting a traditional Japanese pavilion beside a curved bridge, surrounded by restrained naturalistic details.

The warm golden surface of the metal provides an elegant contrast to the brilliant enamelwork of the exterior.

These carefully executed engravings are particularly appealing because they demonstrate that the artistic decoration was not limited to the visible exterior but extended throughout the entire box.

Signed Inaba

This exceptional box is signed Inaba, associating it with the distinguished tradition of Japanese cloisonne enamelwork produced during the Meiji period.

The Inaba name is associated with finely executed Japanese enamel objects distinguished by sophisticated decorative compositions, brilliant enamel coloration, intricate wirework, and elaborate ornamental detailing.

The present example displays many of the qualities associated with accomplished Meiji period cloisonne production, particularly in its carefully balanced pictorial composition, richly colored enamel palette, and meticulous attention to the smallest decorative elements.

The treatment of the birds, flowering branches, and garden landscape demonstrates a refined understanding of Japanese naturalistic imagery, while the delicate floral scrollwork of the sides reveals considerable technical precision.

The elaborate engraved interior and fully decorated underside further distinguish the box as a particularly accomplished example of late 19th century Japanese craftsmanship.

Its substantial proportions, sophisticated construction, and combination of pictorial and ornamental enamelwork make it an especially attractive example for collectors of Japanese decorative arts.

During the Meiji period, Japanese cloisonne enamel reached extraordinary levels of artistic and technical sophistication. Accomplished workshops developed increasingly refined methods of enamel application and wire decoration, producing objects celebrated for their brilliant colors, intricate compositions, and exceptional craftsmanship.

This magnificent signed Inaba box beautifully embodies that tradition.

Its luminous golden yellow ground provides a dramatic setting for the beautifully articulated birds, flowering cherry branches, chrysanthemums, and irises, while the contrasting cobalt blue sides introduce a second layer of decorative richness.

The combination of exceptional pictorial enamelwork, delicate scrolling floral ornamentation, a fully decorated underside, and engraved gilt metal interior distinguishes this box as a particularly desirable example of Meiji period Japanese decorative art.

An elegant and highly collectible work, suitable for a distinguished collection of Japanese cloisonne, Meiji period decorative arts, or finely executed antique ornamental boxes.


**Origin:** Japan

**Period:** Meiji period, circa 1895

**Maker:** Signed Inaba

**Materials:** Cloisonne enamel and gilt metal

**Dimensions:**
- Width: 6 ½ inches
- Depth: 3 ½ inches
- Height: 2 ½ inches

**Condition:** Good antique condition with wear consistent with age and use. The enamel retains its brilliant coloration, with minor surface wear visible in places. The gilt metal framework and interior exhibit oxidation, discoloration, surface scratches, and natural patination consistent with age. The hinged cover opens to reveal the engraved interior. Please refer to the accompanying photographs for additional condition details. See less