Description † A SUPERB SILVER FILIGREE AND CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL VASE DEPICTING A COCKATOOJapan, late 19th century, Meiji period (1868-1912)The globular body supported on a spreading foot with scalloped lower edge and rising to a slender waisted neck with garlic mouth. The sides with two circular panels decorated in gold, silver, copper, and shakudo takazogan to depict a preening cockatoo perched on the branch of a blossoming plum tree to one side and a dragonfly about to land on some foliage to the other. The panels surrounded by intricate filigree silver work with butterfly decoration. The foot, shoulder, and mouth further decorated with butterflies, lotus, paulownia, and floral scroll in cloisonné enamel.HEIGHT 20.2 cmWEIGHT 248 gCondition: Excellent condition with minor wear and minimal casting irregularities.Cockatoos are a member of the parrot family native to Australia, New Guinea, and Indonesia. They have a distinctive crest they can raise and lower at will and are highly intelligent. Cockatoos make popular, if demanding, pets. In Meiji period Japan, the cockatoo was an expensive high-status pet, as they were much prized for their beauty and entertainment.Auction comparison: Compare a related shibuichi, silver filigree, and cloisonné enamel koro and cover by Hiratsuka Mohei, dated to the Meiji period, 11.5 cm high, at Bonhams, 6 November 2012, London, lot 511 (sold for 27,500 GBP). Compare a related silver filigree and cloisonné enamel vase, also dated late 19th century, Meiji period, 28.5 cm high, at Bonhams, 17 May 2021, New York, lot 612 (sold for 8,287 USD).