A FINE CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL VASE WITH SPARROWS AND WISTERIA, ATTRIBUTED TO THE WORKSHOP OF HAYASHI KODENJI Attributed to the workshop of Hayashi Kodenji (1831-1915), unsigned
Japan, c. 1900, Meiji period (1868-1912)

Worked in bright enamels, silver and gold, and sculpted silver and gold wire with sparrows in trailing white and purple wisteria, the reverse with flowering red and white chrysanthemums, all against a midnight-blue ground. The shoulder and neck with a dense pattern of scrolling vines interspersed with flowerheads below the rim with a floral diaper band as well as flowerheads amid scroll, repeated above the foot below a further floral band.

HEIGHT 15.5 cm

Condition: Excellent condition with minor wear.
Provenance: Swiss private collection.

Auction comparison:
Compare a closely related but larger cloisonné vase, also attributed to Hayashi Kodenji and of near-identical form, at Bonhams, Fine Japanese and Korean Art, 21 March 2018, New York, lot 2231 (sold for 11,250 USD). Compare also a related but slightly smaller vase, dated to the late 19th century, at Christie’s, Japanese Art and Design, 12 May 2010, London, lot 359 (sold for 3,125 GBP).