Decorative Dish In Fine Earthenware With Japanese Enamels - Epic Menji 19th Century

Beautifully crafted decorative dish in fine Japanese earthenware, enamels, Meiji period (1868-1912), original scene depicting anthropomorphic rats dressed in traditional Japanese clothing collaborating, swimming, climbing and organizing collectively. This type of humorous and narrative representation is common in traditional Japanese art, especially in prints and decorative objects. The dominant cobalt blue is highlighted with very fine gold details. The landscape work is also typical of luxury fine Japanese earthenware Cultural reference: This could be an allusion to a traditional Japanese tale, such as: "The Mouse's Wedding" a Japanese folk fable or a satirical scene inspired by ukiyo-e prints, in which animals often played human roles to criticize the society of the time The deep blue, gold highlights, and stylized decorations could correspond to European fine earthenware work imitating Japanese styles.