Japanese Ginbari Cloisonné Vase with Crane & Pine, Meiji / Taishō, c.1900–1920

A refined Japanese ginbari cloisonné vase dating to the late Meiji or early Taishō period, circa 1900–1920.

The vase is decorated with a graceful crane amongst pine branches and foliage, set against a luminous pale turquoise-blue ginbari ground. Beneath the translucent enamel, metallic foil creates the characteristic shimmering, finely textured surface associated with this distinctive Japanese enamelling technique.

The restrained palette and generous areas of uninterrupted blue give the piece an elegant, almost atmospheric quality, allowing the crane and foliage to emerge gradually as the vase is viewed from different angles.

Ginbari Technique

Ginbari is a distinctive form of Japanese cloisonné in which patterned metallic foil is applied over the metal body and subsequently covered with translucent enamel.

The foil remains visible beneath the enamel, creating the delicate reflective texture seen across the surface of this vase. The technique became particularly associated with sophisticated Japanese enamel production during the late Meiji and Taishō periods.

Decoration

The principal decoration depicts a crane amongst pine and foliage, rendered in white, black, green and turquoise with subtle touches of pink and red.

Rather than covering the entire body, the pictorial decoration occupies selected areas of the vase, leaving large expanses of the pale blue ginbari ground visible. This restrained composition particularly emphasises the reflective foil beneath the enamel.

Construction

The vase is formed on a metal body with dark metal mounts to the neck and foot.

The base retains its fitted metal base plate. An internal metal fitting is also visible deep within the neck. This has been left entirely undisturbed, and no attribution is made regarding its precise constructional function.

The vase is unsigned.

Period & Origin

Origin: Japan
Period: Late Meiji / early Taishō
Date: Circa 1900–1920
Technique: Ginbari cloisonné enamel
Mark: Unsigned

Dimensions

Approx. H 16 × W 6.5 cm
Approx. H 6.3 × W 2.6 in

Condition

Good antique condition, consistent with age.

The enamel and ginbari foil ground show age-related surface wear, minor marks, localised discolouration and natural irregularities consistent with the age and delicate construction of this technique.

The metal mounts display natural age-related patination. The fitted metal base plate remains present.

There are no obvious major losses visible to the principal decoration.

Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Styling Note

The luminous turquoise ground makes this a particularly striking small-scale decorative object. Displayed alone against dark timber or amongst a collection of ceramics and historic objects, the vase has enough colour and surface interest to create a strong focal point without overwhelming its surroundings.

FAQ

Is the vase antique?
Yes. The vase is attributed to the late Meiji or early Taishō period, circa 1900–1920.

What is ginbari cloisonné?
Ginbari is a Japanese enamelling technique in which metallic foil beneath translucent enamel creates a distinctive shimmering, textured surface.

Is the vase signed?
No. The vase is unsigned.

What does the decoration depict?
The design features a crane amongst pine branches and foliage against a pale turquoise-blue ginbari ground.

What size is the vase?
Approximately 16 cm high and 6.5 cm wide (6.3 × 2.6 inches).

What condition is it in?
It is in good antique condition consistent with age, with surface wear, minor marks, localised discolouration and patination to the metal mounts. Please refer to the photographs for full condition details.

What is the metal fitting visible inside the neck?
An internal metal fitting is present deep within the neck. It appears to form part of the vase's original construction and has been left completely undisturbed. We do not make a more specific attribution regarding its function.