Antique Japanese Totai Shippo cloisonné covered box attributed to Nagoya, Japan production dating to approximately 1875–1890 during the Meiji period.

This beautifully crafted ceramic-bodied cloisonné box features exceptionally fine enamel decoration and intricate wirework throughout. The domed lid displays richly detailed floral motifs surrounded by dense scrolling cloisonné patterns in turquoise blue, cobalt, black, white, red, pink, and soft green enamel.

Unlike traditional metal-bodied cloisonné, Totai Shippo pieces were created over ceramic forms (“cloisonné-on-china”), making them technically demanding and increasingly sought after by collectors of Japanese decorative arts.

The piece has substantial weight and excellent visual presence, with especially attractive enamel coloration and unusually dense wirework. According to a cloisonné specialist, the fine wirework may possibly be silver rather than standard brass alloy, though this has not been formally tested.

Provenance:

• Accompanied by an original typed provenance note dated August 1, 1974
• Note documents purchase in Allentown, Pennsylvania in 1957 for $12
• According to the note, the antique dealer stated the piece had previously been kept on the desk of Charles Schwab, President of U.S. Steel
• The note further describes the piece as a rare form of Japanese enamelware referred to as “cloisonné-on-china”
• Additional information gathered from cloisonné specialists attributes the piece to Nagoya, Japan production circa 1875–1890

Measurements:

• Approximately 4.9 inches diameter
• Slightly over 3 inches high
• Approximately 14 ounces