Honda Yosaburo

Meiji period, 19/20th century

1880-1910

Small dish

A small kyotojippo-style enamelled dish in fine gilt wire and polychrome enamels on a copper base. Hair thickness wire scrolls are used in a spoked wheel design adorned with flowers and pomegranates. Reverse counter enamel in scrolls on a translucent amber-coloured enamel.

The use of pomegranate in Japanese art is rare. Introduced late in the far east the pomegranate in Japan and China came to represent a family blessed. With its many seeds, it represented a family with many children and is known as the happiness fruit. It is also a special attribute of Kishi-Bojin, the Buddhist divinity who protects children.

This piece is almost certainly by the master Honda Yosaburo, here is a photo of a large Cloisonne Koro with the exact same triangular design of pomegranates and flowers. This piece is signed by the makers mark of Honda.

Well known for the kyotojippo-style of densely wired areas in geometrical and shield designs. He enjoyed the highest reputation during the Meiji period. Honda Yosaburo opened his own shop in Nagoya in 1888 and won medals at the expositions in Nuremberg in 1885 (silver place), and gold in Paris 1889 and Chicago 1893.

Unsigned attributed in Honda Yasaburo.

118mm x 118mm x 15mm