Japanese
Dragon Vase, ca. 1920-30, Taisho Period
Not on view
Bronze, cloisonné, and silver
Dimensions6 × 4 5/8 in. (15.2 × 11.7 cm)
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Leo S. Figiel, and Dr. and Mrs. Steven J. Figiel, 1983.6
Chinese artists introduced cloisonné to Japan in the 1830s. In this technique, artists create compartmentalized designs with soldered metal wires, fill them with colored enamel, then fire, grind and polish them. This intricate technique gained popularity quickly and reached its “golden age” between 1880 and 1910 when Japan was actively participating in international expositions and world’s fairs. At this time production soared as demand for Japanese art swept through Europe and America.
