Small Cloisonné Enamel Horse Ornament, Japan
This small Japanese cloisonné horse is made in the fine cloisonné enamel technique: copper wires outline flowing floral and cloud patterns over the entire body, which are filled with several layers of enamel and fired repeatedly at high temperature, giving rich, clearly layered colors. The body has an off-white ground with blue-green patterns, the neck and mane are decorated in brown and gold, and the gilded hooves add an elegant sheen, showing the refinement and craftsmanship of Shōwa-period metal art.