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Technique: Cloissoné
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). The vase features a dynamic depiction of a Japanese...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper
Pair 19th Century Cloisonné Vases
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 19th Century bronze cloisonné vases. These baluster form vessels feature an enameled body with all-over polychrome foliage motifs on a turquoise ground, with two dragon handl...
Category
19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Enamel, Bronze
Antique Meiji Silver Wire Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Hayashi School Vase Floral
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period, Hayashi school. Features a baluster shape, and a short neck. Deep cobalt blue ground color. The ename...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Early 20th-Century Chinese Cloisonné Table Lamp, Floral Motifs, Brass Accents
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Early 20th-Century Chinese Cloisonné Table Lamp, Floral Motifs, Brass Accents
This exquisite early 20th-century Chinese cloisonné table lamp is a stunning example of traditional enamel craftsmanship. Adorned with intricate floral motifs in vibrant shades of light blue, deep blue, red, and green, this lamp brings elegance and a touch of exotic charm to any interior. Its aged brass base and top further enhance its authenticity and refined character.
Note: An electrical plug adapter for U.S. outlets is included. Lampshade not provided.
Cloisonné Enamel Work: The lamp showcases classic Chinese cloisonné craftsmanship, with delicate floral designs set against a richly colored enamel background.
Color Palette: The harmonious blend of blue hues, red, and green creates a visually striking piece, perfect for adding warmth and personality to any space.
Brass Accents: The aged brass base and top feature a beautiful patina, adding to the lamp’s antique charm and timeless appeal.
Versatile Elegance: Whether placed in a modern, traditional, or eclectic setting, this lamp enhances its surroundings with a touch of history and cultural artistry.
Decorative and Functional: Beyond its decorative value, the lamp provides a soft, ambient glow, making it ideal for bedside tables, living rooms, or study areas.
This early 20th-century Chinese cloisonné lamp is more than just a lighting fixture—it is a statement piece that brings heritage, artistry, and vibrant color into any home. A rare find for collectors and interior design enthusiasts alike.
Chinese cloisonné lamp, early 20th-century enamel lamp, antique Chinese lighting, floral enamel table lamp, vintage brass and cloisonné decor, colorful Asian lamp, traditional Chinese craftsmanship, decorative cloisonné lighting.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
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 1...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper
Antique Japanese Meiji Ginbari Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji era, Ginbari enamel over copper vase. The urn shaped vase is enameled with a polychrome image of blossoming flowers on the light blue ground made in t...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Large Chinese Dragon Cloisonne Enamel Over Brass Vase
Located in New York, NY
A large Chinese enamel over brass vase. The urn shaped vase is adorned with a polychrome enamel design of dragons surrounded by a cloud ornament on the white ground made in the Clois...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Enamel
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
19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Enamel
A Monumental Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase, Attributed to Hayashi Kodenji
Located in New York, NY
A Monumental Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase, Attributed to Hayashi Kodenji
“A Meiji Masterpiece”
Behold the epitome of Meiji-era craftsmanship with this monumental silver wire Ja...
Category
19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Large High Quality Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Meiji Vases with Birds
Located in New York, NY
A pair of large antique Japanese copper vases with polychrome cloisonne enamel decor. Late Meiji period, before 1912. Elongated shape with pronounced neck. Birds and flowers motif ag...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel, Copper
Large Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with polychrome cloisonne enamel decor. Late Meiji period, before 1912. Baluster shape, flower brunches and birds decor against turquoise background. ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Green Enamel Dragon Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese late Meiji era enamel metal vase.
The amphora shaped vase with a narrow fluted neck. The vase is adorned with a polychrome ima...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Massive Chinese Cloisonne Bulbous Vase
Located in San Diego, CA
A spectacular massive Chinese cloisonne vase, circa early 1900s. The vase has a bulbous baluster form with lobed sides decorated with foliage and flowers amongst a black geometric pa...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Rare Large Japanese Cloisonne Ginbari And Enamel Vase Cranes And Roosters Blue
Located in New York, NY
A rare large Japanese Ginbari enamel over copper vase. The urn shaped vase is enameled with a polychrome design representing cranes, hens, roosters and other birds made in the Ginbar...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel, Copper
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".
This exquisite antique cloisonné enameled cabinet vase dates to the early 20th century. Featuring ...
Category
20th Century Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Large Early 20th-Century Chinese Cloisonné Pumpkin Box/Centerpiece, 1910s
Located in Bagnolo Mella, Brescia
An exquisite early 20th-century Chinese cloisonné box, masterfully crafted in the 1910s, shaped like a pumpkin with a generous 30 cm diameter. This rare and highly decorative piece showcases the refined artistry of the ancient cloisonné enamel technique, renowned for its intricate detailing and vibrant hues.
The exterior is adorned with an exceptional palette of yellow, sky blue, deep blue, violet, and red, with the colors remaining beautifully rich and vivid despite its age. The interior is coated in a stunning azure blue enamel, offering a striking contrast that enhances its elegance.
A particularly refined detail is the brass rim along the interior edge, designed to perfectly accommodate the matching lid, ensuring a seamless fit. Atop the lid, a delicate brass stem/branch, aged with a beautiful natural patina, further elevates the piece’s authenticity and character.
Not only a collector’s treasure, this antique cloisonné box...
Category
1910s Chinese Chinoiserie Vintage Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Brass
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Blue Enamel Silver Vase with Eagle Signed Inaba
Located in New York, NY
A rare antique Japanese cloisonné enamel silver mounted and silver wire vase Late Meiji period circa 1895
. Elongated shape with pronounced neck. Cobalt blue ground color. The obvers...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase with Pink and Green Dueling Dragons
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period,
Faceted elongated vase with pronounced neck. Cobalt blue body...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel, Copper
A Pair of High Quality Meiji Japanese Era Black Cloisonne Enamel Wisteria and Bi
Located in New York, NY
A pair of antique Japanese copper vases with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji era, before 1912. Elongated shape with pronounced neck. The piec...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Birds Flying In Garden
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji Era Silver and enamel vase. Circa: Late 19th Century The baluster form vase is enameled with polychrome images of blossoming flowers and plants and birds ma...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel, Silver
Chinese Black Enamel Cloisonné Chrysanthemum Flower Vase
Located in New York, NY
Chinese black enamel cloisonné and brass ginger jar vase with chrysanthemum flowers, dogwood flowers and a butterfly and beautiful rich colors.
Hand crafted on solid brass.
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Floral Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji era cloisonne enamel vase. The vases has a baluster shaped body. Features blue medallions adorned with enameled floral and bird motifs. Medallions are on a ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Small Chinese Export Cloisonné Lidded Box decorated with peaches, Circa 1930
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very decorative Chinese Export cloisonné lidded box which we date to the 20th century, Circa 1930.
The box has a cylindrical shape, with its original lid and is all beauti...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Bronze
Fabienne Jouvin-Paris Cloisonne 'Ouzbek' Box, Circa 1980s
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Fabienne Jouvin-Paris Cloisonne 'Ouzbek' Box
Designed by artesian Fabienne Jouvin-Paris
Made in China, 1980s
This stunning Fabienne Jouvin-Paris Cloisonné 'Ouzbek' Box, crafted in t...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Modern Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Pair Of Vintage Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Vases
Located in New York, NY
A pair of vintage Chinese cloisonne enamel vases. Circa mid to late 20th century. The baluster vases are raised on a base and feature a lush floral and foliate pattern on an elabora...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Massive Cloissone Vase of Pastel Crysanthemums
Located in Riverdale, NY
Massive Cloissone Vase of Crysanthemums from the 1950's China. Large in scale with finely hand detailed blooms of pastel crysanthemums, gradient green foliage with a bird in flight a...
Category
1950s Chinese Chinoiserie Vintage Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Antique Large Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Hawk Floral Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonne vase with an eagle. Circa early 20th century, 1900s. The vase is decorated with an autumn landscape with white chrysanthemums and an image ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Translucent Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonne enamel vase. Baluster shaped vase richly adorned with multicolor floral motifs within swirl and scale like patterns. Decorated with a few m...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Silver Wire Dragon Vase Signed
Located in New York, NY
A large antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period, circa 1890 Golden Age . Elongated shape with pronounced neck. Dragon motif against the dark blue...
Category
19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel, Copper
Rare Japanese Meiji Period Moriage Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in Newark, England
Very Rare Moriage Netting
From our Japanese collection, we are thrilled to introduce this fine Japanese Moriage Cloisonne Enamel Vase. The Cloisonne Enamel Vase of baluster form wi...
Category
1910s Japanese Meiji Vintage Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver, Enamel
Antique Japanese Cloisonné Meiji Enamel Box with Roosters
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji era covered enamel over brass trinket or jewelry box. Circa: late 19th century to early 20th century. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of a roos...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Enamel
High Quality Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Silver Wire Vase Blossoming
Located in New York, NY
High Quality Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Silver Wire Vase Blossoming Wisteria and Iris's
An antique Japanese, late Meiji period, ena...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Antique Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase with Geometric Patterns Gard
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonne vase featuring intricate foliage motifs complemented by two exquisite floral panels. The meticulous craftsmanship in depicting foliage patt...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
20th Century Chinese Hardstone Flowering Tree in a Cloisonné Planter
Located in London, GB
20th century Chinese hardstone flowering tree in a cloisonné planter
Chinese, 20th century
Height 42cm, width 33cm, depth 31cm
This exquisite 20th-century Chinese hardstone tree is ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Agate, Rock Crystal
Antique Japanese Meiji Ginbari Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji era, Ginbari enamel over copper vase. The globular shaped vase is enameled with a polychrome image of blossoming Bluebells flowers on the light blue g...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Large Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonné Enamel Vase with a Stand
Located in London, GB
Large Japanese Meiji period cloisonné enamel vase with a stand
Japanese, Late 19th Century
Vase: Height 155cm, diameter 70cm
Base: Height 45cm, width 51cm, depth 51cm
Total: Height 2...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Porcelain Totai Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonne enamel porcelain vase, characterized by its exquisite multi colored floral and foliage motifs on a green ground. The use of a vibrant color...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Porcelain
Antique Miniature Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Celadon Color Vase with Butterflies
Located in New York, NY
A miniature Japanese Meiji period vase, 1868 to 1912. The globular vase slightly tapering to the bottom decorated in polychrome enamels and copper wi...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel, Copper
Antique Meiji Japanese Ginbari Cloisonne Enamel Geisha Vase
Located in New York, NY
A large antique Japanese, late Meiji era, Ginbari enamel over copper vase. The urn shaped vase is enameled with a polychrome scene of a Geisha lady in a garden with blossoming flower...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Large Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Attributed to Kyoto Shibata
Located in New York, NY
A large antique Japanese Meiji period vase attributed to Kyoto Shibata. Features vivid depictions of birds and floral motifs, showcasing the meticulous application of cloisonne ename...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel, Brass
Japanese Large Cloisonné Vase, Ca. 1900/1910
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Large Cloisonné Vase in Midnight Blue w/ Flowers and Birds, Ca. 1900/1910
DIMENSIONS:
Height: 46 inches
Diameter: 51.5 inches
ABOUT
This exquisite vase is a remarkable te...
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Japonisme Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Metal
Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with polychrome cloisonne enamel decor. Late Meiji period, before 1912. Baluster shape with thin neck and everted rim. Dragon motif against the cobalt...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Early 20th century large cloisonne enamel elephant
Located in Debenham, Suffolk
Early 20th century large Chinese cloisonne enamel elephant on stand circa 1900.
A real rare decorative piece.
Profusely enamelled, modelled carrying a saddle and flaming finial. I...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Victorian Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Gold Stone Enamel Covered Jar with Dragon and C
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji era, covered enamel over brass pot or box. The body of the ware is enameled with polychrome images of cranes, medallions with blossoming flowers and b...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Bamboo And Gold Bird Hayashi School
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese brass and enamel vase, Meiji period, 1868 to 1912. The baluster body with wide sloping shoulders is finely worked in silver ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Rare Large Pink Pair of Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases
Located in New York, NY
A pair of large antique Japanese, Meiji era vases with Pink cloisonne enamel decor. Of an elongated baluster shape with a short neck. The exterior shows...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Large Cloisonne Ginger Jar, White with Chrysanthemums C.1960s China
Located in Glasgow, GB
A Large Cloisonné Ginger Jar handcrafted by skilled Chinese artisans in the 1960s.
This impressive ginger jar showcases exquisite Chinese cloisonné work. Finely decorated with a s...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Qing Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Antique Japanese Meiji Goldstone Cloisonne Vase
Located in New York, 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 Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Meiji Enamel Lidded Jar
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period lidded jar decorated with cloisonne enamel shield shaped panels with Hoho birds. The tea jar is of rounded shape standing r...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Wireless Vase
Located in New York, NY
A high quality antique Japanese, late Meiji Era, copper and wireless enamel vase. A sphere shaped body is covered with a polychrome image of blossoming flowers made in the Cloisonne ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Rare Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Silver Wire White Enamel Vase with Birds and Flowe
Located in New York, NY
A rare small Japanese, late Ming dynasty, silver wire white enamel vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a fluted neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of birds ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Silver, Enamel
Pair Of Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases Cranes In Flight
Located in New York, NY
A pair of antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonne vases. Each adorned with image of cranes and resplendent multicolor floral motifs within intricate foliate patterns, all skillfully ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Translucent Vase Floral Clouds
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonne enamel vase. Baluster shaped vase decorated with a band of orange with swirling and floral elements at the top, followed by a broader band ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Antique Japanese Ginbari Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji era Ginbari enamel vase. The ground of the vase is enameled in a turquoise shade. The vase is enameled with polychrome images of fish and blossoming sakura ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Meiji Bird Tree Enamel Vases
Located in New York, NY
Large Pair of Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases Hawks on Cherry Blossom Tree
Silver wire High Quality attributed to Hayashi or Ota
A pair of antique Japanese Meiji peri...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Antique Japanese Ginbari Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period Ginbari enamel vase. The ground of the vase is enameled in blue and cobalt blue shades. The vase is enameled with a polychrome image of a dragon over...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel
Mid Century Black Cloisonne Ginger Jar
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Export Mid Century Black cloisonne ginger jar featuring large scale chrysanthemum flower. Hand Made.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Brass
Rare Pair of Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Meiji Vases
Located in New York, NY
A pair of rare antique Japanese bronze vases from the Meiji period, decorated with enamel using the cloisonne technique. Two matched globular vases with a relief pattern of cloisonne...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects
Materials
Enamel, Bronze
Shop Cloisonné Vases, Boxes, Table Lamps and Other Enameled Objects 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, it is one of the most dynamic, and alluring, mediums in the world.
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 cloisonné vases, table lamps, decorative bowls and other objects for sale on 1stDibs.
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