Gorgeous Pair of Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonne, Brass, Floral Belt Buckles

A wonderful and gorgeous pair of early Japanese cloisonne floral, longevity and good fortune, belt buckles.

Circa 1910, the Meiji Period.

They measure 3" wide by 1 7/8" high and weigh 1.094 ounces or 31.02 grams.

The buckles are done with a brass yusen on a dark green ground. These were made by filling the compartments with colored glass, which they were then backed and fired to create the enamel filling. They will build several layers of enamel, which are applied and backed to build up the compartments until the surface is flush or even. The end result is a gorgeous colorful motif. With this motif, the enamel is a floral design with the Japanese characters, longevity and good fortune, done in beautiful colors of green, black, red, blues, yellows and pinks. The outer edge is done in a scalloped brass frame with the back being done with a green enamel.

The cloisonne definition is enamel work in which colored areas are separated by thin metal bands fixed edgewise to the ground and the origin is French. Cloisonne is an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects in recent Centuries using vitreous enamel and in older periods, inlays of cut gemstones, glass and other materials. The enamel works are worked on with enamel powder made into a paste, which needs to then be fired in a kiln.

This set is in great condition. They are stunning!

What a great addition to add to a buckle collection, but more over for any cloisonne collector.