Preliminary identification
Photo reference
5 uploaded photos
Overview
An extraordinary Japanese Meiji period vase featuring a porcelain body decorated with ceramic cloisonné (Tōji Shippō), depicting wisteria over a turquoise cracked-ice ground with blue and white vertical striping below. The underside bears the red iron-oxide mark 'Dai Nippon Seizō Shippō Kaisha'.
Story
During the early Meiji era, Japanese artisans experimented with firing cloisonné enamels directly onto porcelain bodies rather than copper, creating a rare art form known as Tōji Shippō that lasted for only a brief period.
Maker / Origin
The Shippō Kaisha (Seven Treasures Company) was founded in Nagoya in 1871 to industrialize and export high-quality cloisonné artwork to Western markets during Japan's opening to the world. Their short-lived production of ceramic-base cloisonné produced some of the most sought-after hybrid technological masterpieces of the Meiji restoration.
Condition & Value
The vase appears structurally intact with vibrant enamel colors. Fine crackle pattern is visible in the turquoise enamel, which is typical for ceramic cloisonné of this period, but rim gilding shows light rubbing. Overall excellent display condition.
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Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.