Japanese Meiji cloisonné box with phoenix motif and 'Jungin' pure silver mounts

A high-quality Japanese cloisonné (shippo) enamel box featuring a vibrant yellow ground and pure silver (Jungin) mounts, dating to the late Meiji or early Taisho period (circa 1890–1920). The lid depicts a pair of confronted Ho-o (phoenixes) flanking a paulownia (kiri) blossom, motifs traditionally associated with Japanese imperial symbolism and high-status commissions.

Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonné Enamel Pure Silver-Mounted Box

Rectangular lidded vanity or trinket box

Enamel on copper or silver body, with solid pure silver (.950-.999) rims

Excellent

Polychrome cloisonné enamel featuring phoenixes and paulownia flowers

A rectangular lidded box with rounded corners. The exterior is finished in a smooth, opaque 'imperial yellow' enamel. The lid is decorated with intricate cloisonné work depicting two stylized phoenixes in shades of cobalt blue, turquoise, orange, and white. The interior is finished in a glossy black counter-enamel. The rims are constructed from solid pure silver.

• •Image 1: Overall view of the lid decoration
• •Image 4: Close-up of the 'Jungin' (pure silver) hallmark on the rim
• •Image 5: Detail of the fine wire-work (cloisons) in the bird motifs

• •Enamel surface appears smooth with no visible cracks or 'hairlines'
• •Minor tarnish (patina) on the pure silver rims consistent with age
• •No evidence of pitting or 'flea bites' in the enamel surface
• •The hinge and fit of the lid appear tight and original

While the quality is high, the lack of a specific maker's mark (e.g., Ando or Namikawa) suggests it was produced by a highly skilled but unidentified workshop.

Late Meiji to Early Taisho Period (c. 1890–1920)

• •The 'Jungin' (純銀) mark was used for high-purity silver (.950+) in Japan starting in the late 19th century
• •The use of a bright yellow ground was a technical achievement popularized by workshops like Ando Jubei during the Golden Age of Japanese Cloisonné
• •Stylized Ho-o and Kiri motifs are characteristic of the Meiji aesthetic and imperial associations

The refinement of the wire-work and the depth of the enamel color compare favorably to works produced in Nagoya, a major center for shippo production during this era. The use of 'Jungin' rather than 'Ginsei' suggests a higher-tier production intended for a discerning market.

• •None detected; the construction and materials are consistent with period Japanese craftsmanship

Modern reproductions of yellow-ground cloisonné often have thicker wires, visible pitting (small holes) in the enamel, and use silver-plated base metals rather than solid pure silver mounts.

The mark in Image 4 reads '純銀' (Jungin), which translates to 'Pure Silver'. This is a prestigious mark typically indicating a fineness of .950 to .999. This is superior to the more common 'Ginsei' (Made of Silver) mark and is a strong indicator of an authentic, high-quality piece from the Meiji/Taisho era.

• •Presence of the 'Jungin' (pure silver) hallmark on the interior rim
• •Extremely fine wire-work visible under magnification in the bird feathers
• •High-quality counter-enamel on the interior to prevent warping
• •Period-appropriate oxidation on the silver mounts

The Ho-o (phoenix) and Kiri (paulownia) are sacred symbols in Japan, representing the Empress and the Imperial family. These motifs were highly popular on luxury goods intended for both the domestic elite and the Western export market during the Meiji 'opening' of Japan.

Yellow-ground cloisonné is particularly prized by collectors for its rarity and the difficulty of achieving a pure, unclouded yellow during the firing process. The 'Jungin' mark adds significant appeal for metalwork collectors.

Japanese cloisonné from the 'Golden Age' (1880-1910) remains a blue-chip category for Asian art collectors. Small, well-preserved boxes with pure silver mounts are highly liquid and sought after in the secondary market.

This estimate is based on the item's visual quality and hallmarks. A physical inspection by a specialist is required for a formal insurance appraisal.

• •Color: Yellow is a highly desirable 'premium' color in cloisonné
• •Material: 'Jungin' (pure silver) mounts add higher intrinsic and collector value than standard silver
• •Condition: The lack of damage to the enamel is a major value driver
• •Subject: Imperial motifs (Phoenix) are more desirable than simple floral patterns

• •Similar yellow-ground Meiji boxes with 'Jungin' marks have sold at specialized Asian art auctions for $1,100–$1,500
• •Signed examples by top-tier workshops like Ando can exceed $3,500
• •Unsigned 'Ginsei' (standard silver) examples typically realize $800–$1,200

• •Consider a professional appraisal if the item is to be insured
• •Research Nagoya-based workshops of the late Meiji period to identify potential stylistic matches for the bird designs

• •Do not use silver polish on the rims, as the chemicals can damage the enamel. Use a dry, soft microfiber cloth only
• •Avoid extreme temperature changes, which can cause the metal body to expand/contract and crack the enamel
• •Store in a low-humidity environment to prevent silver tarnish

An authentic and exceptionally well-preserved example of Japanese Meiji-period cloisonné craftsmanship, notable for its rare yellow ground and 'Jungin' pure silver mounts.

• •Asian Art departments at Bonhams or Heritage Auctions
• •Specialists in Japanese Meiji-era decorative arts