Japanese Totai Shippo Cloisonne Pottery Jug Dragon Handle Floral Design c 1890

A Japanese Totai Shippo cloisonne (cloisonné ) pottery Jug.  The jug has the usual cream coloured body that is normally associated with satsuma ware. It has been decorated with a large number of small brass cloisons (wires) with a turquoise ground colour and decorated with coloured enamels. One side with a fan shaped cartouche filled with Chrysanthemum flowers on a grey background, the other with lily type flowers on a dark blue background.

The body shape is a standard  bulbous round jug with a tall wide spout and dragon or serpent handle, an antique item dating from the Meiji period circa 1890.

Totai Shippo is the name given to Japanese cloisonné on ceramics, both on earthenwares and on porcelain. It has a similar appearance to metallic cloisonné ware, with metal cloisons sometimes individually filled with different colours however, some parts of the surface might be left decorated as normal blue and white porcelain.

The Jug is in good antique condition with a little damage, the handle has been broken off and reglued, there is an old disguised crack to the right of the spout, visible on the inside but does not very visible on the outside.Some crazing to the glaze.

A great item for collectors of cloisonne, Totai Shippo or antique Japanese ceramics.

Height 4 1/2 inches (11.5 cm)
Diameter 3 1/8 inches (8.0 cm)
Weight 218 grammes unpacked.