Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Plate w/ Birds and Mount Fuji - Late Meiji Period Circa 1900 - 12¼"

A vibrant reflection of late 19th-century European fascination with Japan, this cloisonné enamel plate from the Meiji era marries refined artistry with rich natural symbolism. At its center, two vignettes unfold in stylized reserve: a watchful thrush perched beneath blossoming branches, and a proud peacock standing before the snow-capped silhouette of Mount Fuji, an image that evokes both majesty and serenity. Produced in Japan expressly for export during the height of Japonisme, this tray is more than a decorative object; it embodies a moment of cross-cultural admiration, when Japanese craftsmanship was revered for its delicacy, precision, and poetic vision.

Executed in fine cloisonné, the plate features delicate wires forming intricate partitions, each filled with vibrant enamel. Earthy floral tones in russet, cream, and navy are enlivened by striking patches of turquoise, creating a composition of visual harmony and painterly depth. The craftsmanship is meticulous, with every detail rendered with miniature precision and framed by an intricate border of interlacing foliage.

Whether displayed on a wall, arranged on a stand, or used as an elegant catchall, this decorative plate brings the lyrical charm of Meiji-era design into the present. It makes a distinctive accent in an eclectic setting, offering a graceful dialogue between East and West.