Skip to main content

Cloisonne Vases

to
139
571
189
779
9
1
10
9
5
5
3
2
2
2
1
1
6
386
387
10
174
87
33
18
4
14
5
2
9
10
2
10
1
720
540
146
116
103
675
665
423
236
46
789
786
789
26
4
3
3
2
Chinese Cloisonné small Vase with flowers & bird, Circa 1920
Chinese Cloisonné small Vase with flowers & bird, Circa 1920

Chinese Cloisonné small Vase with flowers & bird, Circa 1920

Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire

This is a very decorative small cloisonné vase, made in China and dating to the first quarter of the 20th Century.

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Ceramics

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vase by Ando Company, Showa Period
Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vase by Ando Company, Showa Period

Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vase by Ando Company, Showa Period

By Ando Jubei

Located in Newark, England

Striking Blue Cloisonne Enamel Vase From our Japanese collection, we’re pleased to offer this cloisonné enamel vase by the Ando Company, dating to the late Showa period, circa 1945.

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Vases

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique Chinese Cloissone Enameled Vase with Bronze Base, Garden Scene, c1900
Antique Chinese Cloissone Enameled Vase with Bronze Base, Garden Scene, c1900

Antique Chinese Cloissone Enameled Vase with Bronze Base, Garden Scene, c1900

Located in Big Flats, NY

Measures- Vase 12.5''H; Base 1.75''H; Overall 14''H x 6.25''W x 6.25''D A beautifully crafted Chinese cloisonné vase from around 1900, featuring intricate floral designs in vibrant ...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Vases

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Baluster Vases
Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Baluster Vases

Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Baluster Vases

Located in Rio Vista, CA

Fine pair of early 20th century Chinese enamel cloisonné vases. The baluster form bodies are decorated with intricate foliate and vine patterns almost in an arabesque style design wi...

Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Metalwork

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Pair Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases with Phoenix Panels Meiji Period
Pair Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases with Phoenix Panels Meiji Period

Pair Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases with Phoenix Panels Meiji Period

Located in Long Island City, NY

A decorative pair of Japanese cloisonné enamel vases dating to the Meiji period, each measuring approximately 9 inches in height.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Jars

Materials

Enamel

Pair Fine Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Cloisonné Double Gourd Vases 1890
Pair Fine Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Cloisonné Double Gourd Vases 1890

Pair Fine Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Cloisonné Double Gourd Vases 1890

Located in Portland, OR

A very good pair of antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonné vases, circa 1890. This is a very handsome pair of antique double gourd shaped cloisonné vases, one with a blue ground the...

Category

Antique 1890s Japanese Meiji Metalwork

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Chinese Teal Cylindrical Patterned Cloisonne Table Lamp
Chinese Teal Cylindrical Patterned Cloisonne Table Lamp

Chinese Teal Cylindrical Patterned Cloisonne Table Lamp

Located in Queens, NY

"Chinese cylindrical table lamp made from a teal and gold-patterned cloisonne vase painted with floral arrangements and fruit bowls with a brown wooden base and top and brass hardwar...

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Table Lamps

Materials

Metal, Brass, Enamel

Pair Japanese Cloisonne Owls Hawks Maple on Turquoise Blue Enamel Vases Goto
Pair Japanese Cloisonne Owls Hawks Maple on Turquoise Blue Enamel Vases Goto

Pair Japanese Cloisonne Owls Hawks Maple on Turquoise Blue Enamel Vases Goto

Located in Long Island City, NY

A striking and beautifully executed pair of Meiji period Japanese cloisonne vases, attributed to the workshop of Goto Seizaburo of Yokohama, one of the most innovative enamel artists...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Vases

Materials

Enamel

LATE 20th CENTURY PAIR OF CLOISONNÉ CHINESE VASES
LATE 20th CENTURY PAIR OF CLOISONNÉ CHINESE VASES

LATE 20th CENTURY PAIR OF CLOISONNÉ CHINESE VASES

Located in Firenze, FI

Beautiful pair of cloisonné vases in enameled and gilded metal, with hand-carved and ebonized wooden bases.

Category

1990s Chinese Metalwork

Materials

Metal

Exquisite Japanese Wireless Cloisonné Dragon Motif Vase, Meiji / Taisho Period
Exquisite Japanese Wireless Cloisonné Dragon Motif Vase, Meiji / Taisho Period

Exquisite Japanese Wireless Cloisonné Dragon Motif Vase, Meiji / Taisho Period

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Japanese Wireless Cloisonné Enamel Vase, likely from the Meiji period (1868–1912) or possibly the early Taisho period (1912–1926).

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Cabinet Vase with Wisteria
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Cabinet Vase with Wisteria

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Cabinet Vase with Wisteria

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine antique Japanese cloisonne enamel cabinet vase. With polychrome enamel on a brass base.

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork

Materials

Enamel

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Cabinet Vase with Geisha & Flowers
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Cabinet Vase with Geisha & Flowers

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Cabinet Vase with Geisha & Flowers

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine antique Japanese cloisonne enamel cabinet vase. In brass with cloisonne enamel throughout.

Category

20th Century Japanese Showa Metalwork

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Pair Of Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases With Ducks And Floral Scenes
Pair Of Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases With Ducks And Floral Scenes

Pair Of Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases With Ducks And Floral Scenes

Located in Long Island City, NY

This finely matched pair of Japanese cloisonne enamel vases, dating to the Meiji period circa 1880 to 1890, represents high quality Japanese enamel production of the late nineteenth ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Jars

Materials

Enamel

An Exquisite Pair Of Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases with Chrysanthemum Blossoms
An Exquisite Pair Of Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases with Chrysanthemum Blossoms

An Exquisite Pair Of Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases with Chrysanthemum Blossoms

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

An Exquisite Pair Of Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases with Chrysanthemum Blossoms, Attributed to Hayashi, Meiji Period.

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Metalwork

Materials

Enamel

A Chinese cloisonné and gilt metal vase circa 1930
A Chinese cloisonné and gilt metal vase circa 1930

A Chinese cloisonné and gilt metal vase circa 1930

Located in Central England, GB

Chinese, circa 1930 Height 18.5cm x width 11cm x depth 11cm Thank you for looking at this Chinese cloisonné vase. Please let us know if you need any further photographs and information

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Metalwork

Materials

Metal

Cloisonné Presentation Vases
Cloisonné Presentation Vases

Cloisonné Presentation Vases

Located in New York, NY

Impressive pair of Chinese cloisonné presentation vases. These oversized pieces, more than three feet high, were traditionally used in temples and palaces.

Category

20th Century Chinese Vases

Materials

Copper

Pair Chinese Cloisonne Phoenix Zun Vases, Late Qing Dynasty, c. 1900, China
Pair Chinese Cloisonne Phoenix Zun Vases, Late Qing Dynasty, c. 1900, China

Pair Chinese Cloisonne Phoenix Zun Vases, Late Qing Dynasty, c. 1900, China

Located in Austin, TX

An impressive pair of Chinese cloisonne phoenix form zun vases, late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China.

Category

Antique Early 1900s Chinese Qing Metalwork

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Chinese Cloisonné Brass Vase
Chinese Cloisonné Brass Vase

Chinese Cloisonné Brass Vase

$347Sale Price / item|20% Off

Chinese Cloisonné Brass Vase

Located in Vienna, AT

Really beautiful brass vases.

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Vases

Materials

Brass

Chinese Style Cloisonne Enamel Vase

Chinese Style Cloisonne Enamel Vase

Located in Queens, NY

Asian Chinese style (19th Cent) cloisonné multicolored enamel vase with dragon motif.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Vases

Materials

Enamel

Arts & Craft Chinese Bronze Cloisonné Enamel Vase Lamp by Mimi London, Pair
Arts & Craft Chinese Bronze Cloisonné Enamel Vase Lamp by Mimi London, Pair

Arts & Craft Chinese Bronze Cloisonné Enamel Vase Lamp by Mimi London, Pair

Located in Van Nuys, CA

The uncarved portions of the original surface remain visible as a frame for the enamel designs; typically they are gilded in medieval work 19th-century bronze and cloisonné vase shap...

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Table Lamps

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Monumental Japanese Three-Piece Peach Cloisonné Enamel Garniture, Nagoya Company
Monumental Japanese Three-Piece Peach Cloisonné Enamel Garniture, Nagoya Company

Monumental Japanese Three-Piece Peach Cloisonné Enamel Garniture, Nagoya Company

By Nagoya Craftsmen

Located in Long Island City, NY, NY

While individual large cloisonné vases survive in collections, complete three-piece garnitures of this quality are exceedingly rare.

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Garniture

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Monumental Cloisonné Enamel Vase
Monumental Cloisonné Enamel Vase

Monumental Cloisonné Enamel Vase

Located in London, GB

With gilt decorations of dragons on a light blue enamel ground with intricate designs, set on a fitted wooden base.

Category

20th Century Chinese Vases

Materials

Enamel

Lovely antique cloisonne shaped vase
Lovely antique cloisonne shaped vase

Lovely antique cloisonne shaped vase

Located in Ipswich, GB

Lovely antique cloisonné shaped vase, having a lovely shaped vase decorated with flowers in beautiful blue and gold colours.

Category

Early 20th Century Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Paired Chinese Vases Cloisonne, 1960s
Paired Chinese Vases Cloisonne, 1960s

Paired Chinese Vases Cloisonne, 1960s

Located in Bastogne, BE

Cloisonne is a technique for creating cloisonné enamel on metal objects.

Category

Vintage 1960s Chinese Chinoiserie Vases

Materials

Metal

Japanese Ombre Cloisonné Enameled Vase
Japanese Ombre Cloisonné Enameled Vase

Japanese Ombre Cloisonné Enameled Vase

Located in Malibu, CA

Cloisonné enameled bud vase delicately trimmed with contrasting blonde enamel scallop pattern on the top & bottom.

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Vases

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Chinese Cloisonne Incense Tool Vase, Qing Dynasty, 18th/19th Century, China
Chinese Cloisonne Incense Tool Vase, Qing Dynasty, 18th/19th Century, China

Chinese Cloisonne Incense Tool Vase, Qing Dynasty, 18th/19th Century, China

Located in Austin, TX

A small and elegant Chinese cloisonné vase for incense tools, Qing Dynasty, 18th/19th century, China.

Category

Antique Early 1800s Chinese Qing Scholar's Objects

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Chinese Birds Polychrome Cloisonné Enamel Vase
Chinese Birds Polychrome Cloisonné Enamel Vase

Chinese Birds Polychrome Cloisonné Enamel Vase

Located in Long Island City, NY

The exterior of the vase is adorned with a polychrome enamel design representing floral, foliage and bird motifs made in the Cloisonne technique.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Vases

Materials

Enamel

Chinese Style Cloisonne Enamel Bud Vase
Chinese Style Cloisonne Enamel Bud Vase

Chinese Style Cloisonne Enamel Bud Vase

Located in Queens, NY

Asian Chinese style (19/20th Cent) cloisonné multicolored enamel square shaped bud vase.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Vases

Materials

Enamel

Chinese Style Cloisonne Floral Enamel Vase

Chinese Style Cloisonne Floral Enamel Vase

Located in Queens, NY

Asian Chinese style cloisonné floral design multicolored enamel vase (as is-dent near top)

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Vases

Materials

Enamel

Pair of Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Vases
Pair of Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Vases

Pair of Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Vases

Located in Germantown, MD

A Pair of Mid Century Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Vases Measures 5.5" in width, 5.5" in depth and 9" in height.

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Vases

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Large Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Vase
Large Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Vase

Large Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Vase

Located in Long Island City, NY

A vintage Japanese black cloisonne enamel vase. Circa mid to late 19th century.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Vases

Materials

Enamel

Meiji Period Cloisonne Bulbous Cabinet Vase
Meiji Period Cloisonne Bulbous Cabinet Vase

Meiji Period Cloisonne Bulbous Cabinet Vase

Located in West Palm Beach, FL

Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Cabinet Vase, circa 1880 A finely detailed Japanese Meiji period cloisonné cabinet vase, dating to the late 19th century.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper

Pair Antique Japanese Cloisonné  Enamel Vases
Pair Antique Japanese Cloisonné  Enamel Vases

Pair Antique Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases

Located in Germantown, MD

Pair Antique Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases Measures 5" in width, 5" in depth and 8" in height.  

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel, Brass

Antique Japanese Ginbari Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Antique Japanese Ginbari Cloisonne Enamel Vase

Antique Japanese Ginbari Cloisonne Enamel Vase

Located in Long Island City, NY

The vase is enameled with polychrome images of fish and blossoming sakura flowers made in the Cloisonne technique.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Vases

Materials

Enamel

Palace Size Asian Cloisonné Floor Vase
Palace Size Asian Cloisonné Floor Vase

Palace Size Asian Cloisonné Floor Vase

Located in Rochester, NY

Antique monumental cloisonné floor vase. An exotic form with colorful enamel.

Category

Antique 19th Century Asian Vases

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Palace Size Asian Cloisonné Floor Vase
Palace Size Asian Cloisonné Floor Vase

Palace Size Asian Cloisonné Floor Vase

Located in Rochester, NY

Antique monumental cloisonné floor vase. An exotic form with colorful enamel.

Category

Antique 19th Century Vases

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Butterfly Vase
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Butterfly Vase

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Butterfly Vase

Located in Long Island City, NY

A large antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period, before 1912.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

19th Century Cloisonné Enamel Vase, France
19th Century Cloisonné Enamel Vase, France

19th Century Cloisonné Enamel Vase, France

Located in Sofia, BG

19th Century cloisonné enamel vase in perfect condition. France, circa 1880

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Vases

Materials

Enamel

Japanese Cloisonné Foil Urn Vase
Japanese Cloisonné Foil Urn Vase

Japanese Cloisonné Foil Urn Vase

$716Sale Price|20% Off

Japanese Cloisonné Foil Urn Vase

Located in Guaynabo, PR

This is a cloisonné foil metal vase depicting a continuous scenes around it of three large white cranes, a volcano and some green leaves in a turquoise background.

Category

20th Century Japanese Japonisme Urns

Materials

Metal

Pair Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Yellow Dragon Vases
Pair Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Yellow Dragon Vases

Pair Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Yellow Dragon Vases

Located in Long Island City, NY

Pair Chinese Cloisonne Yelow background Dragon Vases 15" inches

Category

20th Century Chinese Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Vintage Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Double Gourd Vase
Vintage Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Double Gourd Vase

Vintage Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Double Gourd Vase

Located in Long Island City, NY

A vintage Chinese cloisonne double gourd vase, dating to the mid-to-late 20th century.

Category

Antique 19th Century Chinese Vases

Materials

Enamel

Large Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Trumpet Shaped Vase
Large Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Trumpet Shaped Vase

Large Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Trumpet Shaped Vase

Located in Long Island City, NY

A Japanese enamel vase made using the Cloisonne enamel technique. The vase has the classic shape of an ancient bronze wine vessel called a Gu, characterized by a widened socket and a...

Category

Antique 19th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Antique Japanese Bronze Cloisonné/Champleve Vase Urn
Antique Japanese Bronze Cloisonné/Champleve Vase Urn

Antique Japanese Bronze Cloisonné/Champleve Vase Urn

Located in Chicago, IL

Antique Japanese Bronze Cloisonné/Champleve Vase Urn This Antique Japanese Bronze Cloisonné/Champleve Vase Urn showcases the timeless artistry of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Anglo-Japanese Vases

Materials

Enamel

Antique Cloisonne Enameled Cabinet Vase Early 20thC
Antique Cloisonne Enameled Cabinet Vase Early 20thC

Antique Cloisonne Enameled Cabinet Vase Early 20thC

Located in Big Flats, NY

Antique Cloisonne Enameled Cabinet Vase, Early 20thC. 5 1/8" x 2 3/4" x 2 3/4".

Category

20th Century Vases

Materials

Metal

Pair of Cloisonné Over Porcelain Vases, Chinese
Pair of Cloisonné Over Porcelain Vases, Chinese

Pair of Cloisonné Over Porcelain Vases, Chinese

Located in El Monte, CA

A pair of large 20th century Chinese vases that are a stunning example of cloisonné over porcelain.

Category

20th Century Chinese Vases

Materials

Porcelain

Lovely pair of antique cloisonne lidded vases
Lovely pair of antique cloisonne lidded vases

Lovely pair of antique cloisonne lidded vases

Located in Ipswich, GB

Lovely pair of antique cloisonne lidded vases, having a lovely pair of antique cloisonné lidded vases decorated with beautiful flowers in blue, red, yellow, green and white colours w...

Category

Early 20th Century Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Porcelain Vase W Handles
Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Porcelain Vase W Handles

Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Porcelain Vase W Handles

Located in Long Island City, NY

A Japanese enamel on porcelain vase. The vase has a baluster shaped body with a fluted mouth, adorned with a polychrome design representing medallions with blossoming flowers and bir...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Vases

Materials

Enamel

Large Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Large Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Vase

Large Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Vase

Located in Long Island City, NY

An antique Japanese copper vase with polychrome cloisonne enamel decor. Late Meiji period, before 1912.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Large Meiji Period Cloisonne Enamel Vase

Large Meiji Period Cloisonne Enamel Vase

Located in London, GB

Of ovoid form, with a narrow neck and outward flaring rim, on dark blue ground depicting wisteria blossoms in white and purple cascading from the shoulder with birds throughout and w...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Gold Stone Vase
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Gold Stone Vase

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Gold Stone Vase

Located in Long Island City, NY

An antique Japanese enamel metal vase. The amphora shaped vase is enameled with polychrome medallions with birds, Phoenix birds, insects, blossoming flowers surrounded by floral, fol...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Vases

Materials

Enamel

Antique Meiji Era Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases
Antique Meiji Era Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases

Antique Meiji Era Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases

Located in Long Island City, NY

A pair of matching Japanese cast metal and cloisonne enamel vases richly decorated with polychrome floral ornaments on a black ground.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel

Japanese Meiji Era Cloisonne Enamel Vase Signed
Japanese Meiji Era Cloisonne Enamel Vase Signed

Japanese Meiji Era Cloisonne Enamel Vase Signed

Located in Long Island City, NY

An antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period, 1868 to 1913.

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Antique Meiji Era Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Antique Meiji Era Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase

Antique Meiji Era Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase

Located in Long Island City, NY

An antique Japanese Meiji Era brass and enamel vase, circa: early 20th century. The baluster form vase is enameled with polychrome images of blossoming flowers and plants and birds m...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Vases

Materials

Enamel

Japanese Taisho Era Inaba Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Japanese Taisho Era Inaba Cloisonne Enamel Vase

Japanese Taisho Era Inaba Cloisonne Enamel Vase

Located in Long Island City, NY

A Japanese Taisho Period, 1912 to 1926, cloisonne enamel vase featuring a glossy dark blue ground and decorated with traditional polychrome pattern depicting a bird among flowers.

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Vases

Materials

Enamel

Antique Japanese Meiji Goldstone Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Antique Japanese Meiji Goldstone Cloisonne Enamel Vase

Antique Japanese Meiji Goldstone Cloisonne Enamel Vase

Located in Long Island City, NY

An antique Japanese, late Meiji Era, enamel over brass vase. Circa: early 20th century. The amphora shaped vase is enameled with a polychrome image of a dragon made in the Cloisonne ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Vases

Materials

Enamel, Brass

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Cloisonne Vases", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Antique Cloisonné Vases for Sale on 1stDibs

Liven your home with cloisonné vases, bowls, lamps and other objects and furnishings ornamented with lustrous enamel. Technically, enamel is colored glass fused to metal. But that simple description greatly understates the case.

Applied using an array of techniques to a wide range of objects, enamel is one of the most dynamic, and alluring, mediums in the world. And as ceramic vases and other decorative vessels are gaining popularity again — the personalization of handmade craftsmanship has served as a sort of anti-Internet to screen-weary interior designers — antique cloissonné vases can help introduce interesting colors and patterns to your space.

No one knows for sure when or where enameling originated. But, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, it is widely believed that the decoration on a gold scepter found in a royal Mycenaean tomb at Kourion Kaloriziki, in Cyprus, and dating to the 11th century BC, is a true, early example of the technique.

Between the 6th and 12th centuries AD, cloisonné — in which tiny compartments (cloisons) made by soldering copper filaments to a metal surface are filled with vibrantly hued enamel — had a huge vogue in the Byzantine Empire. By the 7th century, Lombard craftsmen in northern Italy were using enamel to emulate Byzantine objects. In the 12th and 13th centuries, artisans in China imported the technique and made it so much their own that enameled objects have long been associated with Eastern aesthetics and motifs rather than Western ones.

Collectors of authentic antique Chinese furniture and decorative objects know that Ming dynasty-era cloisonné objects are particularly coveted. Although ornamentation was minimal at the time, Ming dynasty furniture often featured carved or painted details of flowers, insects, dragons, fruits and other motifs. As overseas trade expanded, techniques from the West, like cloisonné enamel painting, adorned table screens and other pieces. 

Elaborately decorated Ming-era cloisonné objects and furnishings — vessels and other items featuring lots of vibrant colors and details — are likely to fetch considerable sums at auction, as Chinese cloisonné vases created during the Ming and Qing eras represent a golden age of the country’s furniture design. (Victorian cloisonné is also popular with design enthusiasts.)

Cloisonné wasn’t adopted in Japan until the 1800s. Back then, amid an era of societal and cultural shifts, a bolstered interest in art and design elevated Japanese craft traditions during the Meiji period. European styles like Japonisme appropriated Japanese design while craftsmen in places like Wales and England employed japanning, a varnishing technique that approximated the appearance of lacquer for the surfaces of furnishings.

Today, Meiji-era cloisonné vases or incense burners in good condition are of great interest to collectors of Asian art and furniture produced by the period’s Japanese cloisonné workshops. 

Find antique cloisonné vases and other cloisonné objects for sale on 1stDibs.