A FINE MUSEN (WIRELESS) CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL ‘SNOWY WHITE EGRETS’ VASE

拍品描述

A FINE MUSEN (WIRELESS) CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL ‘SNOWY WHITE EGRETS’ VASE Japan, Meiji period (1868–1912) The globular body gently tapering toward a spreading foot and rising to a short waisted neck with a narrow mouth, the rim and foot fitted with silver mounts. The bluish-gray ground delicately worked in musen (wireless) enamels to depict a group of snowy white egrets, their softly graduated plumage contrasting with the dark elongated beaks rendered in enamel within fine silver wires. HEIGHT 18.7 cm WEIGHT 454.8 g George Edward established his Glasgow silversmithing and retail business in 1838. Later trading as Edward & Sons from prestigious premises on Buchanan Street, the firm offered Chinese export silver and luxury goods from China, Japan, and Burma, reflecting Glasgow’s importance as a major port for trade with the Far East. Renowned for the quality of its wares, the company received royal warrants from Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales. Musen, literally “wireless,” was among the most refined innovations in Japanese cloisonné enamel during the late 19th century. Unlike conventional cloisonné, in which metal wires permanently outline the design, the wires were removed before firing, producing soft tonal gradations and painterly transitions. The technique received considerable acclaim at international exhibitions during the Meiji period. Auction comparison: Compare a pair of closely related larger cloisonné enamel baluster vases, decorated with snowy white egrets, Meiji period, late 19th century, 35.5 cm high, at Bonhams, The Avo Krikorian Collection: Innovation and Inspiration of Meiji Period Design, Geneva, 19 February 2007, lot 139 (sold for CHF 6,600 or approx. EUR 7,800 for two converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing).

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