Pair of antique Japanese cloisonné enamel (shippo) plates, made during the Meiji period (1868-1912). Both plates are in excellent condition with minimal signs of age. Cloisonné or shippoyaki involves attaching fine metal wires (usually copper or brass) to a bronze base to create compartments, which are then filled with enamel pastes of various colors before being fired and meticulously polished. Both pieces feature a central medallion on a reddish-brown background depicting a mythological phoenix (hō-ō) in flight. They have an elegant lobed and scalloped design, intricately decorated with lotus flower motifs and polychrome geometric patterns that alternate between shades of blue, green, black, and pink. They will be shipped with extra protection and a tracking number for shipment.