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Cloissoné Decorative Objects

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Technique: Cloissoné
An Inlaid Shibuichi Vase in Lovely Shape Landscape Meiji Kyoto, 19th Century
An Inlaid Shibuichi Vase in Lovely Shape Landscape Meiji Kyoto, 19th Century

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

Small Round Cloisonné Vase Chinese in Nice Red Flowers Floral, 20th Century
Small Round Cloisonné Vase Chinese in Nice Red Flowers Floral, 20th Century

Small Round Cloisonné Vase Chinese in Nice Red Flowers Floral, 20th Century

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

A Small round cloisonné Vase 20th c Chinese In nice Red Flowers FLoral, Top quality 20th c cloisonne. Additional information: Material: Bronze, Cloisonne & Metal Region of Origin: C...

Category

20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Arita Vase Winter Landscape by Artist Fujii Shumei, 20th Century
Japanese Arita Vase Winter Landscape by Artist Fujii Shumei, 20th Century

Japanese Arita Vase Winter Landscape by Artist Fujii Shumei, 20th Century

By Fujii Shumei

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Lovely and rare piece with storage box. A superb blue and white porcelain vase, with a winter landscape. Made by Fuji Shumei Fujii Mr. Aki Fujii’s specialty is the technique of dra...

Category

20th Century Japanese Showa Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Japanese Mid 20th Century Cloisonne Enamel Rose Vase Ando Company
Japanese Mid 20th Century Cloisonne Enamel Rose Vase Ando Company

Japanese Mid 20th Century Cloisonne Enamel Rose Vase Ando Company

By Ando Jubei

Located in Newark, England

LARGE SIZED OVOID VASE From our Japanese collection we are pleased to offer this Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Rose Vase by the Ando Company. The vase of large ovoid form decorated wit...

Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Goldstone Enamel Dragon Vase Attributed to Hond
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Goldstone Enamel Dragon Vase Attributed to Hond

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Goldstone Enamel Dragon Vase Attributed to Hond

Located in Long Island City, NY

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Goldstone Enamel Dragon Vase Attributed to Honda An antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period, before 1880. High Q...

Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Large Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Floral Vases Wood Stands
Large Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Floral Vases Wood Stands

Large Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Floral Vases Wood Stands

Located in London, GB

Large Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Floral Vases Wood Stands Chinese, 20th Century Vases: Height 78cm, diameter 36cm Bases: Height 15cm, diameter 38cm Overall: Height 93cm, diameter 38c...

Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Large Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Fan Motif Vase
Large Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Fan Motif Vase

Large Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Fan Motif Vase

Located in Long Island City, NY

A large antique Japanese Meiji era enamel over copper vase. The urn shaped vase is enameled with polychrome fan shaped medallions featuring floral, foliage and butterfly motifs surro...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Large Pair of Wooden Indonesian Carved Bookstand Top Quality Carving
Large Pair of Wooden Indonesian Carved Bookstand Top Quality Carving

Large Pair of Wooden Indonesian Carved Bookstand Top Quality Carving

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

They are in use in our office. The perfect bookstands of great size and shape. Additional information: Material: Bronze, Cloisonne & Metal Region of Origin: Europe Period: 20th cent...

Category

20th Century Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Large Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Green Goldstone Enamel Millefiori Mask Vase
Large Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Green Goldstone Enamel Millefiori Mask Vase

Large Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Green Goldstone Enamel Millefiori Mask Vase

Located in Long Island City, NY

An antique Japanese copper vase with polychrome cloisonne enamel decor. Late Meiji period, before 1912. Elongated baluster shape. Intricate floral pattern against the dark green back...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Barrel Vase with Butterflies
Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Barrel Vase with Butterflies

Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Barrel Vase with Butterflies

Located in Long Island City, NY

A large antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design. Barrel shape. Floral ornaments and central butterfly motif against the turquoise blue background. Late 19th Century...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Mid-20th Century Chinese Cloisonne Ginger Jar with Chrysanthemums and Butterfly
Mid-20th Century Chinese Cloisonne Ginger Jar with Chrysanthemums and Butterfly

Mid-20th Century Chinese Cloisonne Ginger Jar with Chrysanthemums and Butterfly

Located in Pomona, CA

This is a cloisonné ginger jar, a type of decorative enamelware. Cloisonné is an ancient technique for decorating metal objects, where thin metal wires are soldered to a metal surfac...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper

Antique Japanese Bronze Cloisonné Vase with Colors Butterflies, 19th Century
Antique Japanese Bronze Cloisonné Vase with Colors Butterflies, 19th Century

Antique Japanese Bronze Cloisonné Vase with Colors Butterflies, 19th Century

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Lovely vase Additional information: Material: Bronze & Metal Primary Material: Bronze & Cloisonne Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century Japan Dynasty Period: Meiji Period (18...

Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

19th Century French Louis XV Champlevé Enamel Brass Hand Mirror
19th Century French Louis XV Champlevé Enamel Brass Hand Mirror

19th Century French Louis XV Champlevé Enamel Brass Hand Mirror

Located in Dallas, TX

Elevate a vanity or powder room with this elegant antique French hand mirror, crafted circa 1870 in the Louis XV taste. The shaped brass frame is richly adorned with intricate champl...

Category

Late 19th Century French Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Marble, Brass

Lovely Antique Meiji Period Japanese Wall Dish Bronze Flowers Cloisonne, 19th C.
Lovely Antique Meiji Period Japanese Wall Dish Bronze Flowers Cloisonne, 19th C.

Lovely Antique Meiji Period Japanese Wall Dish Bronze Flowers Cloisonne, 19th C.

Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland

Lovely and beautifully made piece with different kind of flowers and birds on a green base. Cloisonné is an enamelling technique in which the pattern is formed by wires soldered to...

Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Red Cloisonné and Metal Candlestick decorated with birds and flowers
Pair of Red Cloisonné and Metal Candlestick decorated with birds and flowers

Pair of Red Cloisonné and Metal Candlestick decorated with birds and flowers

Located in Roma, IT

Pair of vintage candlesticks probably produced between the 60s and 70s. We do not know whether it is a Chinoiserie, therefore candlesticks made in Europe but in an Oriental style, or whether it is a Chinese production, despite the uncertain origin, they remain splendid decorative elements. These candlesticks have a quadrangular base and candle holder in silver metal, polished by us with a specific product. The peculiarity is in the stems of these vintage candlesticks, made with the Cloisonné technique, an artistic enamel decoration that involves a design made of thin threads or strips or small metal partitions...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Brass, Enamel

Fabienne Paris Cloisonne Box with Florals, vivid ca .1980s
Fabienne Paris Cloisonne Box with Florals, vivid ca .1980s

Fabienne Paris Cloisonne Box with Florals, vivid ca .1980s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A beautiful Chinese round cloisonné box, exquisitely hand-enameled with a vibrant interpretation of colorful blossoms. The richly detailed floral decoration is complemented by a bril...

Category

20th Century Chinese Export Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

19th Century French Longwy Inkwell Set with Art Nouveau Cloisonné
19th Century French Longwy Inkwell Set with Art Nouveau Cloisonné

19th Century French Longwy Inkwell Set with Art Nouveau Cloisonné

By Faïenceries et Emaux de Longwy

Located in Winter Park, FL

A 19th century French Art Nouveau Longwy glazed ceramic double inkwell desk stand featuring integrated candle holders on each side. Traditional cloisonné style enamel floral design i...

Category

19th Century French Art Nouveau Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Ceramic

French Cloisonné Swan Key Dish Catchall Ashtray
French Cloisonné Swan Key Dish Catchall Ashtray

French Cloisonné Swan Key Dish Catchall Ashtray

Located in Los Angeles, CA

French cloisonné swan key dish catch all or ashtray France, early 20th century Beautiful crafted piece has wonderful shape and design Rich neutral ton...

Category

Early 20th Century French Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Pair of Antique Chinese Cloisonné Vases
Pair of Antique Chinese Cloisonné Vases

Pair of Antique Chinese Cloisonné Vases

Located in Palm Beach, FL

True pair of antique Chinese cloisonne vases decorated in an unusual composition depicting flowers in a stand against an alluring blue ...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Pair Chinese Cloisonne Tapir Candlesticks, Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China
Pair Chinese Cloisonne Tapir Candlesticks, Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China

Pair Chinese Cloisonne Tapir Candlesticks, Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China

Located in Austin, TX

A delightful pair of Chinese cloisonne candlesticks in the form of tapirs, Late Qing Dynasty, circa 1900, China. The charming pair of candlesticks each crafted as a tapir seated upo...

Category

Early 1900s Chinese Qing Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Pair Chinese 19th C. Qing Dynasty, Cloisonne Multi-Cartouche Vases from Museum
Pair Chinese 19th C. Qing Dynasty, Cloisonne Multi-Cartouche Vases from Museum

Pair Chinese 19th C. Qing Dynasty, Cloisonne Multi-Cartouche Vases from Museum

Located in New York, NY

A Gorgeous Pair of Antique Chinese 19th Century, Qing Dynasty, Cloisonne Multi-Cartouche Blue Ground Gu Form Vases. These vases feature a surface detailed with birds, plants, and cl...

Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Large Meiji Period Brass and Cloisonné Enamel Casket
Large Meiji Period Brass and Cloisonné Enamel Casket

Large Meiji Period Brass and Cloisonné Enamel Casket

Located in London, GB

A large Meiji period brass and cloisonné enamel casket Japanese, Late 19th Century Height 20cm, width 35.5cm, depth 22cm This beautiful piece is a Japanese casket...

Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass, Enamel

19th Century Pair of Cloisonnè Vases with Later Worked Electrification
19th Century Pair of Cloisonnè Vases with Later Worked Electrification

19th Century Pair of Cloisonnè Vases with Later Worked Electrification

Located in Epfach, DE

19th century pair of cloisonnè Vases, china ca 1880 enamel and cloisonnè. The high of the vases are 30cm and diameter 14cm. The electrification and montage was done beforehand. Car...

Category

1880s Chinese Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Black & White Cloisonné Enamel Bronze Decorative Box - France 1970's
Black & White Cloisonné Enamel Bronze Decorative Box - France 1970's

Black & White Cloisonné Enamel Bronze Decorative Box - France 1970's

Located in New York, NY

In the style of Maria Pergay. Bi color, black and white enamel "cloisonné" decorative box made of bronze. The alloy carries a strong portion of copper which give the box a warm and ...

Category

1970s French Vintage Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

2 Cloisonné Bowls, Asia, Late 19th-early 20th Century
2 Cloisonné Bowls, Asia, Late 19th-early 20th Century

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

Early 20th Century Art Déco Crystal Brass Cookie Jar/Bucket Container, France
Early 20th Century Art Déco Crystal Brass Cookie Jar/Bucket Container, France

Early 20th Century Art Déco Crystal Brass Cookie Jar/Bucket Container, France

Located in North Miami, FL

Early 20th century Art Déco crystal and brass cookie jar/bucket container with lid, France By: unknown Material: brass, copper, zinc, metal, glass, crystal, paint, enamel Technique:...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Brass, Copper, Zinc, Enamel

Pair of Meiji Era early 20th Century Bottle Shape Cloisonné Vases
Pair of Meiji Era early 20th Century Bottle Shape Cloisonné Vases

Pair of Meiji Era early 20th Century Bottle Shape Cloisonné Vases

Located in New York, NY

A matched pair of Japanese Cloisonné vases in exactly the same shape and size, but with different colors and design patterns. Both have highly detailed geometric borders and other pa...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal, Enamel

19th Century Bronze Watch Holder in Cloisonné and Bronze
19th Century Bronze Watch Holder in Cloisonné and Bronze

19th Century Bronze Watch Holder in Cloisonné and Bronze

Located in Marseille, FR

19th century watch holder in the form of a sedan chair in bronze from the end of the 19th century in cloisonné and bronze, dimension 18 cm in lengt...

Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Vintage Brass Champleve Candle Holders with Floral & Leaf Motifs
Pair of Vintage Brass Champleve Candle Holders with Floral & Leaf Motifs

Pair of Vintage Brass Champleve Candle Holders with Floral & Leaf Motifs

Located in Dallas, TX

Add timeless elegance to your space with this colorful pair of antique patinated brass candlestick holders. Crafted in China, circa 1970, each candlestick features intricate cloisonn...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Brass

Carré Cloisonné
Carré Cloisonné

Carré Cloisonné

Located in Milano, IT

The “Carré Cloisonné” designed by Giovanna Ferrero Ventimiglia, is a precious freestanding artistic design object, where the finely hot enameled plate is set on a fine leather suppo...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Pair of Bronze Cloisonné Vases Japan Champlevé, 19th Century
Pair of Bronze Cloisonné Vases Japan Champlevé, 19th Century

Pair of Bronze Cloisonné Vases Japan Champlevé, 19th Century

Located in Boven Leeuwen, NL

Very nice decorative pair of cloisonné´ vases made in Japan in the late 19th century. Animal shaped handles and beautiful blue and red colors. On...

Category

1890s Japanese Chinoiserie Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Cloisonné Vase Maxi
Cloisonné Vase Maxi

Cloisonné Vase Maxi

Located in Milano, IT

The Cloisonné Vase Maxi, designed by Giovanna Ferrero Ventimiglia and crafted in a historic Murano furnace, reaffirms the designer’s creative flair as she skillfully plays with two m...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Cloisonné Vase- Midi
Cloisonné Vase- Midi

Cloisonné Vase- Midi

Located in Milano, IT

The Cloisonné Vase Midi, designed by Giovanna Ferrero Ventimiglia and crafted in a historic Murano furnace, reaffirms the designer’s creative flair as she skillfully plays with two m...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze picture frame. France, late 19th century.
Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze picture frame. France, late 19th century.

Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze picture frame. France, late 19th century.

Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires

Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze picture frame. France, late 19th century.

Category

Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Cloisonné Enameled silver Russian Salt by 6th Artel
Cloisonné Enameled silver Russian Salt by 6th Artel

Cloisonné Enameled silver Russian Salt by 6th Artel

Located in London, GB

A Salt is a decorative but perfectly functional salt cellar. During the early 20th century, Russian artisans used the form of the Salt, much like they did the Kovsh, as a means of de...

Category

Early 20th Century Russian Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Silver, Enamel

A Pair of Art Deco Chinese Cloisonné Incense Holders w/ Horses, Ca. 1920
A Pair of Art Deco Chinese Cloisonné Incense Holders w/ Horses, Ca. 1920

A Pair of Art Deco Chinese Cloisonné Incense Holders w/ Horses, Ca. 1920

Located in New York, NY

A Pair of Art Deco Chinese Cloisonné Horses Incense Holders, Ca. 1920 DIMENSIONS (each) Height: 10.75 inches Length: 9 inches Depth: 5 inches

Category

1950s Japanese Japonisme Vintage Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Metal

Oriental Champleve cloisonne Dragons brass Bronze vase Elephant head handles
Oriental Champleve cloisonne Dragons brass Bronze vase Elephant head handles

Oriental Champleve cloisonne Dragons brass Bronze vase Elephant head handles

Located in Birmingham, AL

Vintage/ antique x large Oriental Champleve Cloisonne Dragons bronze vase with elephant head handles standing on a wooden base. It could be late 19th or early 20th century based on ...

Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Chinoiserie Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

1920s French Louis XV Style 5 Candlelight Ornate Bronze Candelabra
1920s French Louis XV Style 5 Candlelight Ornate Bronze Candelabra

1920s French Louis XV Style 5 Candlelight Ornate Bronze Candelabra

By Maison Jansen, Maison Baguès

Located in Miami, FL

Early 20th Century French Louis XV 5 Arms Ornate, Cast Bronze Candelabra. Louis XV style French brass candelabra with five candle cups and nice cast details. In good vintage conditio...

Category

Early 20th Century French Louis XV Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Cloisonné Enamel and Gilt Bronze Frames, Napoleon III Period
Pair of Cloisonné Enamel and Gilt Bronze Frames, Napoleon III Period

Pair of Cloisonné Enamel and Gilt Bronze Frames, Napoleon III Period

Located in Saint-Ouen, FR

Pair of neo-Gothic gilt bronze frames. Decorated with {cloisonné} enamel in blue, red and green; trilobed diamond shape ornaments on the frame and flowery Maltese crosses in the angl...

Category

Late 19th Century Gothic Revival Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Chinese Cloisonné Vessels, Bronze & Glass, Aesthetic Movement, 1890s
Chinese Cloisonné Vessels, Bronze & Glass, Aesthetic Movement, 1890s

Chinese Cloisonné Vessels, Bronze & Glass, Aesthetic Movement, 1890s

Located in New York, NY

Pair of Chinese export late 19th century cloisonne vessels. Vessels feature hand chased glass stylized floral patterns in Victorian era colors of red/...

Category

19th Century Chinese Aesthetic Movement Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Antique Chinese Cloisonné Vases
Pair of Antique Chinese Cloisonné Vases

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

19th Century Cloisonné Vase
19th Century Cloisonné Vase

19th Century Cloisonné Vase

Located in Dublin 8, IE

19th century Cloisonné vase richly decorated with bright Oriental patterning, chrysanthemum flowers, and birds. Topped with a gold rim, and featuring a bright blue interior, two sides are flanked with golden lion...

Category

19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Enamel

Very Fine and Rare Onyx, Porcelain, Cloisonné Enamel and Ormolu Mantel Clock
Very Fine and Rare Onyx, Porcelain, Cloisonné Enamel and Ormolu Mantel Clock

Very Fine and Rare Onyx, Porcelain, Cloisonné Enamel and Ormolu Mantel Clock

Located in London, GB

Very fine and rare green onyx, porcelain, cloisonné enamel and ormolu mantel clock French, Late 19th Century Height 64cm, diameter 23cm This beautiful piece is an exceptionally unusual and equally beautiful mantel clock, crafted from a variety of materials, used to showcase an array of superb decorative arts and techniques. Made in France in the late nineteenth century it is formed of green onyx, porcelain (the vase on top), cloisonné enamel and ormolu. The dials are set upon three columns of ormolu, mounted on green onyx, and framed with enamel in red, white, and blue, floral motifs. The dials are adorned with lettering in both French and Spanish, and measure time, temperature, and pressure. An elegant decorative vase mounts the clock, crafted from porcelain, and similarly decorated with enamel elements. Rare in design and even rare in terms of pure quality, it forms a unique antique timepiece...

Category

Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Onyx, Enamel, Ormolu

Imperial Elephant Candelabrum, Early 20th Century
Imperial Elephant Candelabrum, Early 20th Century

Imperial Elephant Candelabrum, Early 20th Century

Located in Islamabad, PK

Imperial Elephant Candelabrum Europe, Early 20th Century Height: 34 in. Width: 17 in. Depth: 15 in. Materials: Patinated Bronze, Semi-Precious Stone, Colored Glass Provenance: Priv...

Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Cloissoné Decorative Objects

Materials

Multi-gemstone, 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.