Japanese Cloisonne Tree Bark Enameled Bowl

Description: Here is rare Japanese “tree bark” technique bowl; a subcategory of totai shippo (cloisonné enamel artworks which a ceramic, earthenware or porcelain body or foundation is utilized). The large bowl is worked on the exterior with the “tree bark” technique, decorated with butterflies and various flowering plants. The highlight of the work is the interior of the bowl decorated with a vibrant blue and white depiction of shobu (iris) plants. The bold blossoming plants and leaf blades are set against a flowing stream. This is the one of the few examples that I have encountered in my nearly 40 years of focused collecting, that leveraged the “blue and white” foundation with “tree bark” technique to accentuate the work. The rarity of these two combined techniques indicates to me that this combination was very difficult to achieve, or the survival rate was extremely low. The resulting piece is bold, vibrant and a strong artistic statement. The bowl is signed by the well known artist on the bottom base of the bowl in four kanji characters, “Oka-moto Sei-zo.” This four kanji character signature variation is quite rare as most examples are found with the “Oka-moto Sei” or “Oka-moto Zo” signature variations. The bowl is in remarkably good antique condition considering its age and the rarity of the technique. There are very surface abrasions and small blemishes to the exterior “tree bark” decoration. The interior of the bowl is in excellent condition. The only other notable condition issue are the small nicks and dark brown enamel losses at the bottom rim of the bowl resulting from age and normal wear. This exact piece is illustrated on page 89 in Chapter 12, “Totai Shippo,” cloisonne enamel in which a ceramic, earthenware or porcelain body or foundation is utilized, in “Japanese Cloisonne Enamels; A Private Collector’s Notes and Reference Guide,” by Gary Yoshino. A copy of page 89 will be provided to the successful buyer of this bowl. Overall, a strong example of a very rare technique that was only produced for a very short time. This rare example would be a great addition to an advanced Japanese cloisonne collection despite the minor condition issues noted. The height of this bowl is approximately 3.5 inches The diameter of this bowl is approximately 8.25 inches Due to the fragile nature of cloisonné enamels, this item will be double boxed and packed with tremendous care. Be sure to keep all original packing until you are completely satisfied and have left positive feedback. This item will be shipped by USPS Priority Mail with insurance to confirmed addresses within the United States. Due to the significant shipping cost and delays, we currently cannot ship overseas or make international deliveries at this time. International customers who utilize freight forwarding companies are asked to refrain from purchasing as these types of deliveries are resulting in extremely long delivery times which is not conducive of a positive buying experience. Please ask any and all questions prior to buying. Thank you!

Price: 295 USD

Location: Carlsbad, California

End Time: 2024-01-26T06:05:24.000Z

Shipping Cost: 36 USD