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Cloissoné Decorative Objects

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Technique: Cloissoné
A Pair of Meiji Era Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Cherry Blossom and Geometric Patte
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of antique Japanese copper vases with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period, before 1912. Cylindrical shape with pronounced base and ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Large Pair Of Japanese Cloisonne Gold Stone Enamel Bamboo Tree Vases Attributed
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of Japanese enamel over copper vases. Each vase has an urn shaped body and a wide neck. Each ware is enameled with polychrome medallions depicting a bird seated on a branch, b...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Ginbari Enamel Green Double Handle Vase with Au
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with polychrome ginbari cloisonne enamel decor. Late Meiji period, Squat round shape, long neck and decorative side handles. Green body with red and y...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Chinese Cloisonne "Bamboo" Vase
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice Chinese export cloisonne bamboo shaped vase with floral motif, circa 1970s. The vase is in very good condition with no dings or dents and measure 5.5"D x 12"H. Unique Piece! ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Meiji Japanese Totai Cloisonne Enamel Porcelain Box
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese late Meiji era covered Totai enamel on porcelain trinket or jewelry box. Circa: late 19th century to early 20th century. The ware is enameled with a polychrome floral medallion with butterflies and berries, on the top of the cover, surrounded by floral, and foliage patterns made in the Cloisonne technique. A hand painted image of a flower, under the cover. Dated, 01.12.08, and probably numbered, 6, on the bottom. Totai Shippo...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Vase in the Style of Namikawa
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese early Meiji period cloisonne vase, attributed to the master artisan Namikawa Yasuyuki. Boasts a striking baluster shape adorned with phoenix birds, intricate foli...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Mid-20th Century Vintage Chinese Hand Made Cloisonne Vases - Pair
Located in Pomona, CA
This pair of magnificent Chinese Cloisonné Vases are the perfect decor piece. With beautiful floral design, it is a majestically hand crafted work of art that is sure to capture ever...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Meiji Era Dragon and Phoenix Bird Goldstone Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large antique Japanese Meiji era enamel over brass vase. The amphora shaped vase is enameled with polychrome medallions with a Phoenix bird and a dragon surrounded by floral, and f...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

24" Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonne Charger Wall Art Plate Asian Dragon Enamel
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Massive Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonne Plate with scalloped edge and central design of multicolor dragon surrounded by rows of abstracted floral designs. Meiji period, late 19th, ea...
Category

1890s Japanese Anglo-Japanese Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Signed Sato Japanese Cloisonné Vase Imperial Yellow with Chrysanthemum
Located in Somis, CA
A rare non-ginbari Sato cloisonné vase, from showa period, crafted on an imperial yellow Musen-jippo background. The classic form showcases vibrant...
Category

20th Century Japanese Showa Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Lot of Four Chinese Cloisonne Vases & Teapot, 20th Century
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Lot of four chinese cloisonne vases and teapot 20th century. From left: Baluster-shaped black ground vase with flowering prunus emerging from a rock, ruyi band around flaring ...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

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

Russian Kovsch in Silver Gilt, Cloisonné Enamel and Silver Pearl
Located in London, GB
Russian kovsch in silver gilt, cloisonne enamel and silver pearl Russian, 20th Century Height 7cm, width 12cm, depth 7cm This kovsch is a meticulously crafted piece, made by marryin...
Category

20th Century Russian Folk Art Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique 19C Vietnamese Inlaid Metal vase Vietnam Silver Figural Symbols
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Bronze baluster vase with polychrome niello decoration representing on one side a lively scene with musician on a terrace, and on the other side a military parade, taotis, Greeks. It...
Category

19th Century Vietnamese Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Very Large Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in London, GB
This stunning Meiji period vase is a wonderful example of the quality of craftsmanship during the late 19th century Japanese Meiji period. The Meiji era was famed for being the perio...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

A Meiji Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Wisteria and Fish Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period brass and cloisonne enamel vase decorated along the rim with overhanging wisteria flowers on a yellow ground abo...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

A Pair of Large Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases with Iris's
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of large antique Japanese copper vases with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period,The vases have a rounded body, pronounced necks and bas...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper, 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

Chinese Cloisonne Double Peach Box, Republic Period, early 20th century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A lovely Chinese turquoise ground cloisonne "double peach" box and cover with shaped hardwood stand, Republic Period (1911 to 1949), early 20th century, China. The box formed as a p...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Antique Meiji Period Japanese Wall Dish Bronze Cloisonne Flowers Ito Yusaburo
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Lovely and beautifully made piece with different kinds of flowers and butterflies on a blue base. This piece is made by a talented artist, Ito Yusaburo. The bottom mark. Cloisonné ...
Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair Chinese Cloisonné Cranes as Candlestick Prickets
Located in New York, NY
This darling pair of cloisonné crane pricket candlesticks would be the perfect addition to any home. In Chinese mythology the symbol of the crane represents longevity, and the depict...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinoiserie Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Gold Leaf

Baluster Jar & Lid, Fish Scale Design by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition Cloisonné
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Baluster Jar & Lid Fish Scale Design Cloisonne Amber, Brown, and Black Hand Made Limited Edition  
Category

2010s Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Extra Large Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Pink Vase Gonda
Located in Long Island City, NY
An extra large antique, late Meiji era, Japanese copper and enamel vase by Gonda Hirosuke, Japanese, 1865 to 1937. A sphere shaped body is covered with ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Pair of Antique Chinese Cloisonné Vases
Located in Hudson, NY
A pair of Chinese enamel vases with elephant head handles. Decorated with a cloisonné phoenix and flower motif. Cloisonné is an ancient technique u...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Early 20th Century Chinese Cloisonne Enameled Tripod Censor/Incense Burner
Located in Pomona, CA
Museum Quality Chinese Champleve Cloisonné Incense burner of monumental size standing on a wonderful carved hardwood base. Gilt brass with enamel decoration, reclining elephant with ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Japanese Cloisonné Vases Butterflies & Flowers, 19th Century Meiji Period, Pair
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
These are a very decorative pair of cloisonné vases, made in Japan and dating to the 19th Meiji Period, circa 1875. The vases have a good baluster shape with a circular form. They...
Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

Very Large Chinese Enamel Jardinière on Wooden Stand
Located in London, GB
Very large Chinese enamel jardinière on wooden stand Chinese, 20th century Measures: Height 127cm, diameter 116cm This monumental cloisonné e...
Category

20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Japan 1890 Meiji Period Bronze Koro Censer in Cloisonne Enamel with Jade Lid
Located in Miami, FL
Japanese Koro from the Meiji Period (1868-1912). Beautiful antique ten sides fluted koro censer, created in Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912), ci...
Category

1890s Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Jade, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Enamel

Enamelled and Cloisonné Silver Box, Jade Inlay, China, 19th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Enamelled and cloisonné silver box, jade inlay, China, 19th century. Enamelled and cloisonné silver box, jade inlay, China, 19th century. H: 6cm, W: 11cm, D: 7cm
Category

19th Century Chinese Chinoiserie Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver

Ando Jubei Japan 1950 Showa Period Cloisonné Enamel Green Bombe Vase
Located in Miami, FL
Cloisonné enamel vase designed by Ando Jubei. Beautiful piece of Japanese decorative arts, created by the Ando Jubei Company during the Showa...
Category

1950s Japanese Showa Vintage Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver, Enamel

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

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Contemporary Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Tamura
Located in Newark, England
Showa Period Circa 1940 From our Japanese collection, we are pleased to offer this Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase by Tamura. The vase of tapered cylindrical form with a tigh...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel, Metallic Thread

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 Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Monumental Pair of Cloisonné Lided Urn Bowls
Located in Miami, FL
A pair of monumental lidded bowls. 20” in diameter, 12” tall with the lid on, 18” once on the wood base. Decorated with flowers and birds on a black background.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Exceptionally rare vase portrait jardiniere, Jugendstil Art Nouveau Amphora 1909
Located in Wien, AT
A very exciting object made by the famous Amphora factories in Bohemia in exceptionally high quality and a very rare design. The vase or jardiniere or centerpiece is designed with a...
Category

Early 1900s Czech Art Nouveau Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Chinese Cloisonne Incense Burner, circa 1960's, China
Located in Austin, TX
A fine and beautifully enameled Chinese cloisonne incense burner, censer, with pierced cover, mid 20th century, circa 1960's, China. The ce...
Category

1960s Chinese Qing Vintage Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Antique Pair of Russian Silver Gilt Enamel Cloisonné Salts Spoons St. Petersburg
Located in Portland, OR
A good pair of antique Russian Imperial silver-gilt & cloisonné enamel salts and spoons, St. Petersburg, circa 1908. The salts of circular form and are finely decorated with multi-c...
Category

Early 1900s Russian Baltic Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Vintage Mirrored Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Rooster Sculptures
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice vintage mirrored pair of Chinese cloisonné rooster sculptures, circa early 20th century. The sculptures are in very good condition with no d...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Two Russian Silver Gilt and Cloisonné Enamel Eggs on Stands
Located in London, GB
Two Russian silver gilt and cloisonné enamel eggs on stands Russian, 20th Century Height 12cm, diameter 4.5cm These stunning Russian eggs are crafted from silver gilt and dec...
Category

20th Century Russian Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Rare Antique Japanese Bronze Vase with Temple Mark on the Underside, 19th C.
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Antique Japanese Bronze Vase With a Temple Mark on the underside Japan Rare Additional information: Material: Bronze, Cloisonne & Metal Region of Origin: China Period: 19th century ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Cloisonné and Bronze Vase, Signed BARBEDIENNE, in the Style of Édouard LIÈVRE
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This skillful blend of Chinese art objects and French craftsmanship is attributed to the Escalier de Cristal after designs by Édouard Lièvre. Our cachepot displays a polychrome decor...
Category

Late 19th Century French Japonisme Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Mid-20th Century Chinese Cloisonne Vase
Located in Pomona, CA
This Chinese Antique Cloisonne Vase was hand made from gold copper with cloisonne. It has detailed cloisonne works of Peony, Magpie and floral a...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Copper

Chinese Cloisonne Floral Design Vases, Pair
Located in Astoria, NY
Pair of Chinese Cloisonne Floral Design Vases, polychrome flowers and vines on black grounds, each on carved wood base. Vase: 8" H x 3.5" Diameter. Provenance: From an East 72nd Stre...
Category

20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Two Small Japanese Cloisonne Dragon Vases, Early 20th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
Two charming, small Japanese cloisonné dragon vases, Meiji to Taisho period, early 20th century, Japan. The miniature vases of baluster f...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper, Enamel, Foil

2 Cloisonné Bowls, Asia, Late 19th-early 20th Century
Located in MARSEILLE, FR
2 cloisonné bowls decorated with multicolored flowers and leaves. The porcelain interior is decorated with blue and red flowers on a white background. Wear and tear, a chip and ...
Category

Late 19th Century Asian Chinoiserie Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Porcelain

French Champleve and Onyx Urns Barbedienne
Located in Newark, England
Onyx & Champleve Enamel From our Decorative collection, we are delighted to offer this pair of French Champleve and Onyx Urns attributed to Barbedienne. The Urns of typical form wi...
Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Ormolu and Cloisonné Enamel Jardinière Attributed to F. Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
The large central circular form cloisonne enamel jardinière decorated with vari colored plum flowers and butterflies on a blue ground, with a pierced ormolu rim featuring a pineapple motif resting on a finely cast ormolu base with four legs in the form of winged Foo lions. The ormolu French, the enamel Chinese. This impressive jardinie`re is very much in the manner of objects in enamel produced by Ferdinand Barbedienne in Paris in the last quarter of the 19th century which proved universally popular. Often these pieces were designed by Edouard Lievre (d. 1886) in the Oriental taste. Ferdinand Barbedienne was a famous French metal worker and manufacturer. He presided over one of the most renowned and prolific foundries of Belle Époque Paris. His atelier created sculptures, clocks and bronze mounts of the highest quality, and his works were shown at numerous international exhibitions of the period, where he was rewarded with many medals. Among them the Grande Me´daille d'Honneur, in Paris in 1855 is particularly noteworthy. In 1838 he associated with the engineer Achille Collas (1795-1859) who had just invented a process to reproduce statues at a smaller scale. Together they founded in 1839 the company "Collas et Barbedienne" to reproduce casts of both contemporary artists and Greek and Roman antiquities. While working with Collas, Barbedienne actively pursued contracts with many sculptors of Paris contracting with David D'Angers, Jean-Baptiste Clesinger, and even producing some casts for Antoine Louis Barye as well as others. From 1860 to the years 1890, Barbedienne, eager to research new processes, experimented new techniques in champleve´ and cloisonne´-enamels, to compete with Japanese importations, very fashionable then. When Collas died in 1859, the business was left to Barbedienne as sole owner. The company who had over 300 employees was prosperous as well in the field of reproductions as in its department specialized in the casting of monumental bronzes. In 1865, he was appointed President of the Reunion of Bronze Makers until 1885. After the 1870 war...
Category

Late 19th Century French Chinoiserie Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

An Inlaid Shibuichi Vase in Lovely Shape Landscape Meiji Kyoto, 19th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Meiji Period (1868-1912), Japan A small vase with an inlaid scene of a bird and flowers in a garden. Additional information: Material: Bronze & Cloisonne Region of Origin: Japan Pe...
Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Antique French Gilt Brass Cloisonne Chinoiserie Champleve Jewelry Box Casket
Located in Portland, OR
A fine antique 19th century French Chinoiserie gilt brass, Cloisonné and Champlevé jewelry box, with a rock crystal top, circa 1880. This exquisite box with a thick chamfered hinged...
Category

1880s French Chinoiserie Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Rock Crystal, Enamel, Brass

Cloisonné-Vase, circa 1900
Located in Greding, DE
Cloisonné Vase for a European royal family in the shape of a gourd bottle, decorated with Asian ornaments and the royal cypher RI 11. Standing on a carved wooden Stand.
Category

Early 1900s Asian Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Pair of Porcelain, Cloisonné, Marble and Bronze Vases, France, circa 1900
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Pair of porcelain, cloisonné, marble and bronze vases. France, early 20th century.
Category

Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Marble, Enamel

Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Cloisonne bowl
Located in Pomona, CA
This Unique Chinese Antique Cloisonné Bowl is the perfect decor piece. With beautiful floral and bird design, it is a majestically hand crafted ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Copper

Japanese Okimono Incense Holder Sticks Bronze Statue Meiji Era, 1868-1912
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Japan - MeuiI period (1868 - 1912) bronze Okimono turtle incense burner Meiji era (1868-1912), 19th century Additional information: Material: Bronze, Cloisonne & Metal Region of Or...
Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair Of Decorative Green Ginger Cloisonné Jars
Located in Kastrup, DK
A pair of decorative ginger cloisonné vases made of brass with enamel work. Richly and beautifully decorated with foliage on a black background. Comes with carved wooden bases. Heigh...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Vintage Chinese Cloisonne Champleve Enamel Vase with Floral Motifs
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a table or a buffet with this colorful baluster vase. Created in China circa 1980, the vase features floral motifs in the cloisonné technique (decorative work in which ename...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Brass

Pair Qing 19th Century Chinese Cloissone Vases, Vibrant Colored Enamels
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A tall vibrant pair of cloissone vases of the Qing period, the last imperial dynasty from 1644 to 1912. Crafted with the fine metalwork they were known for and featuring lush botanic...
Category

1840s Chinese Qing Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Gold, Copper, Enamel

White Chinese Cloisonné Vase
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice white with arabesque-style design Chinese cloisonné vase, circa 1960s. The vase is in very good condition with no dings or dents and measure 5...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Early-20th Century Chinese Hand made Cloisonne Dragon Incense Burner
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent, exquisite and rare large Chinese Cloisonne incense Burner has gold gilt dragon on the top of the lid and three gilt ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Signed Ando White Enamel Covered Jar Butterflies
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese Ando Jubei cloisonne rounded jar from the Meiji period. The vase is decorated with foliate image with butterflies. It features a fitted lid with a decorative fini...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Chinese Exceptional and Large Cloisonne Enamel Pheasant Sculpture, 20th Century
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
An exceptional and large Chinese vintage cloisonne enamel male pheasant mounted on a wooden stand dating from the first half of the 20th centu...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

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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