A Fine Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Thimble
Meiji Period, c.1880–1910

A finely worked Japanese cloisonné enamel thimble dating to the late Meiji period, decorated with stylised floral sprays, scrolling cloud motifs and a bird in flight, all rendered in rich polychrome enamels against a deep midnight-blue ground.

The design is executed in traditional wire cloisonné, with well-defined gilt cloisons separating translucent and opaque enamels in shades of green, iron-red, blush pink and cobalt blue. The surface shows excellent colour saturation and even firing, with no evidence of over-polishing or later restoration.

The top is fitted with a finely pierced domed metal cap, fire-gilded, showing consistent wear commensurate with age. The interior retains its original turquoise enamel lining, a feature commonly seen on quality Japanese export cloisonné of this period and indicative of careful finishing rather than later tourist production.

Unmarked, as expected for small export wares of this type, but stylistically and technically consistent with Central Japanese workshop production, most likely Nagoya-area ateliers supplying the European and British markets in the late 19th century.

Such cloisonné thimbles were produced in limited numbers and are now increasingly sought after by collectors of Japanese metalwork, sewing antiques, and Meiji decorative arts.

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Details
• Object: Thimble
• Origin: Japan
• Period: Meiji period (c.1880–1910)
• Technique: Wire cloisonné enamel on metal
• Decoration: Floral and avian motifs with scrolling clouds
• Material: Enamel on gilt metal (not solid gold)
• Interior: Turquoise enamel
• Marks: Unmarked (typical)

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Measurements & Weight
• Height: 2.2 cm
• Diameter: 1.9 cm
• Weight: 12 g

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Condition

Very good antique condition.
• Enamels clean and stable with no losses
• Gilding intact with light, honest wear
• No dents, splits, or repairs
• Interior enamel well preserved

Overall a notably fresh example, suggesting light or minimal use.

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Collector Appeal
• Ideal for collectors of Japanese cloisonné
• Strong crossover appeal to antique sewing tools & thimbles
• Excellent scale for cabinet display or reference collection
• A refined example of Meiji export craftsmanship in miniature form