A set of two Japanese vases, Meiji era, 1868 to 1912. Two high quality antique vases of an ovoid form tapering to the bottom and bearing a long neck tapering to the upper rim. The exterior is decorated with finely detailed polychrome designs depicting chrysanthemums and a dragon, made using the cloisonne technique on a glossy cobalt blue ground. Cloisonne is an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects with colored material held in place or separated by metal strips or wire, normally of gold. In recent centuries, vitreous enamel has been used, but inlays of cut gemstones, glass and other materials were also used during older periods. Cloisonne enamel very probably began as an easier imitation of cloisonne work using gems. Cloisonne Technique Collectibles, Asian Metalwork And Enamel Pieces.