Description: A bottle-shaped vase with an elegant neck. Two large and three small butterflies, or kocho, symbols of marital bliss and a carefree life, on a deep, dark blue background. The butterflies are painted in a multitude of colors. White iris blossoms with leaves in rows around the foot. Floral bordure around the mouth. Silver engraved mark KYO-TO 京 都 SHIBA-TA 柴 田 on the base. Condition: Very good condition Provenance: From an Austrian private collection Note: Not much is known about Shibata. However due to his style, exceptional quality and similar silver seal to Namikawa Yasuyuki (“Kyoto Namikawa”) – it is assumed that he was involved in Yasuyuki’s Kyoto workshop in some way, possibly even working directly for him. This fine selection of Japanese cloisonné pieces (nos. 16-33) comes from an art dealer’s collection who acquired the pieces over 15 years, most of them from Austrian flea markets, fairs and estates. He developed a passion and deep understanding for the incredibly cumbersome technique of cloisonné which is reflected in the selection, featuring the great names of Namikawa Yasuyuki and Namikawa Sosuke.