Pair of vases
Unsigned but attributable to Namikawa Yasuyuki
Kyoto, Japan
Copper, brass, cloisonné enamel  
c.1870-1880
Height 8.6cm
Museum no. 1274-1886
Dixon bequest.

These two small vases are stylistically very similar to another pair in the V&A's collection. However, these examples show the tight overall application of the brass wires and the polychrome enamel colour scheme indicating some technological advances. The surface of both vases are regularly covered with wires. The area below the rim and above the base-plate are both elegantly decorated with stylised chrysanthemum. The black enamel and the butterflies found on the central band of the vases were both later to be key features of the work of Namikawa Yasuyuki.