Meiji era (明治) circa 1900 The Meiji era (October 23, 1868 to July 30, 1912) was important in the development of Japanese cloisonné export art. Cloisonné uses an ancient enameling technique originating in the West during the Middle Ages. The term cloisonné comes from the French cloison, meaning partition or segments, and refers to a form of decoration in which metal strips or wires are applied to a surface in closed shapes. Glass or enamel are melted into each partitioned area to create an elegant, jewel-like decoration. This is an antique Japanese cloisonné bud vase with butterfly and florals circa 1900. Purchased I.M. Chait auction Lot #47 5/31/1998 Dimensions: 4" Tall X 3 3/4" Diameter