Japanese totai cloisonne on earthenware lidded tea jar, or cha-ire, decorated with two prominent orange-red and rust-red panels featuring a butterfly and a bird flying among leafy flowers. The panels are set against a blue and black background filled with flowers. A flower decorates the center of the lid. The base is cream-colored crackle glaze. Circa 1870s. 5 5/8" high. "Totai," was a short-lived experiment of applying cloisonne onto ceramic objects rather than onto a metal substrate. Production ceased in the 1870s because the enamels tended to crack and so many pieces did not survive the production process. Very good overall condition. From a Tucson, Arizona collection.