Antique Japanese Cloisonné Bottle Vase, Meiji Period Circa 1880 — Goldstone Dragon

A Japanese cloisonné enamel bottle vase from the Meiji period, circa 1880. The bulbous body is decorated with a three-toed dragon in gold sparkling goldstone enamel (chakin-seki), coiled within a shaped panel on a deep green ground, alternating with fan-shaped reserves of floral sprays on a midnight-blue ground. A bold black-and-white zigzag geometric band divides the shoulder from the body, a hallmark of fine Meiji-period wired cloisonné (yūsen shippō). The tall slender neck is banded in registers of key-fret, lappet, and floral motifs in turquoise, cream, and brown against a black ground, terminating in a flared copper rim. The foot is ringed with a scalloped border and copper footrim. The three-toed dragon is typical of Japanese cloisonné work of the period, distinguishing it from Chinese pieces, which more often carry the five-clawed imperial dragon.

Measures 7.5" tall, 4" at the widest point. Good antique condition; wear consistent with age. No Chips, cracks or repairs.