Two fine examples of Meiji period cloisonné brought similar multi-estimate sums at regional auctions earlier this month writes Roland Arkell.
Neither was signed but both pieces were deemed autographed works by premier Japanese workshops.
A 7in (18cm) high double gourd form vase offered by Reeman Dansie of Colchester on February 12 carried many of the aspects of a piece made c.1890 by Namikawa Yasuyuki (1845-1927) of Kyoto. It was decorated with moths and butterflies against a mirror black enamel ground and detailed foliate borders. It had a bruise to the upper section but took £28,000 (plus 20% buyer’s premium) against hopes of just £70-100.