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Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

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Technique: Cloissoné
Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze and Cloisonné Enamel Jardinière on White Onyx Base
Located in New York, NY
Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze and Cloisonné Enamel Jardinière on White Onyx Base  This oval form jardinière is wrapped with black, white and gold cloisonné  enamel, with a shield at the ...
Category

Late 19th Century Napoleon III Antique Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Onyx, Bronze, 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 Vases and Vessels

Materials

Enamel

Antique Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Gu Form Vase, 17th/18th Century, Kangxi Period
Located in New York, NY
A Fantastic, rare, and antique Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Gu Form vase, 17th/18th century, Kangxi Period. This cloisonne vase is extremely rare to find in this quality, condition, age,...
Category

Late 17th Century Chinese Qing Antique Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze

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 Vases and Vessels

Materials

Enamel, Copper

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. The aqua in ombre with gradual subtle tones. A very rare piece. Mad...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

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. Under the base the...
Category

20th Century Japanese Japonisme Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Metal

Japanese Cloisonné Foil Urn Vase
Japanese Cloisonné Foil Urn Vase
$716 Sale Price
20% Off
Japanese Early Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Lidded Jar
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese copper jar with lid. Early Meiji period, mid 19th-century. The item is richly decorated with geometrical cloisonne enamel ornaments against the turquoise background. Collectible Oriental...
Category

Mid-19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Enamel, Copper

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 Vases and Vessels

Materials

Onyx, Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

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 Vases and Vessels

Materials

Enamel

Huge Pair of Early 20th Century Antique Chinese Cloisonne Pots/Vases
Located in Pomona, CA
Look at this pair of magnificent Antique Chinese Cloisonne Pots. It shows very detailed hand craft works of cloisonne art - a lot of Chinese traditional folks art like Buddhas flower...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Metal, Copper

Russian Cloisonné Enamel and Silver-Gilt Kovsh
Located in London, GB
Known as a ‘kovsh’ (or kovsch), this item was designed to function as a small drinking vessel. Kovshes have been created in Russia for centuries, often from precious materials, such ...
Category

Early 20th Century Russian Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Silver, 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 Vases and Vessels

Materials

Copper

Chinese Pink background Cloisonné "Hundred Antiques" Pattern vase & Stand
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
20th century Chinese export Pink background Cloisonné "Hundred Antiques" Pattern vase & carved hardwood Stand Indulge in the allure of Chinese craftsmanship with this exquisite 2...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze

Mirrored Pair of Chinese Cloisonne Lidded Bowls with Floral Motif
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice mirrored pair of Chinese cloisonne lidded bowls with floral motif, circa 1950s. The bowls are in very good condition with no dings or dents and measure 6.5"D x 3.5"H. #2606.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Golden Age Wisteria and Birds Vase Attributed t
Located in Long Island City, NY
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Golden Age Wisteria and Birds Vase Attributed to Hayashi high quality work An antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji p...
Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Copper, Enamel

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 Vases and Vessels

Materials

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 Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze

Vintage Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Vase with Floral Motifs on Wooden Stand
Located in Dallas, TX
Decorate a table or a buffet with this colorful baluster vase. Created in China circa 1980, the vase sits on a carved ebonized wood stand and features floral motifs on branches in th...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

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 Vases and Vessels

Materials

Gold, Copper, Enamel

Ando Wireless Cloisonne Jade Green Silver Mounted Vase, Showa Era, 1930's, Japan
By Ando Jubei, Ando Shippo Ten
Located in Austin, TX
An alluring Japanese Ando Jubei musen shippo (wireless cloionne) "jade green" silver mounted vase by the Ando Cloisonne Company (Ando Shippo Ten) ...
Category

1930s Japanese Showa Vintage Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Silver, Copper, Enamel

High Quality Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon and Phoenix Bird Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A high quality Japanese Meiji era enamel over copper vase. The urn shaped vase is enameled with polychrome medallions featuring Phoenix bird and dragon designs surrounded by floral a...
Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Copper, 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 Vases and Vessels

Materials

Enamel

Antique Chinese Cloissone Enameled Vase with Bronze Base, Garden Scene, c1900
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique Chinese vase offers Cloissone enameled design in garden theme with flowers throughout, seated on bronze base, c1900. Measures- Vase 12.5''H; Ba...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze

Antique Enamel Bronze/Copper Persian Vase Flowers Birds Polychrome, ca 1900
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A very nicely made piece with beautiful colors. Flowers and birds. Additional information: Material: Bronze & Cloisonne Period: ca 1900 Condition: Small age signs like ware and miss...
Category

19th Century Antique Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Antique Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases
Located in London, GB
These beautiful Japanese vases were crafted during the Meiji period of the late 19th Century, which was referred to as the Golden Age of cloisonne enameling. The vases are of elo...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Enamel

Early 19th Century Cloisonné Vase, China
Located in Epfach, DE
Beautiful cloisonné vase made in the beginning of the early 19th century in China.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Enamel

Pair 19th Century French Chinoiserie Cloisonne Bronze Vases
Located in New York, NY
Pair of exceptional antique (late 19th century) French gilt bronze vases in the Chinoiserie style with fine cloisonne enamel designs of flowers on a geometric ground with stylized li...
Category

Late 19th Century French Chinoiserie Antique Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Circa 1880-1910 Japanese Cloisonne Vase
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1880-1910 Japanese cloisonne vase. Fine, elegant example. Silver mounted & silver wire. Marked on base rim CLOISONNE. Base of lapet reserves of dragons & phoenix birds. Floral ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Aesthetic Movement Antique Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Silver, Enamel

19th Century Chinese Pair of Bronze Vases with Cloissoné Technique
Located in Marbella, ES
19th Century Chinese pair of bronze vases with Cloissoné Technique.
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze

Cloisonne’ Vases (pair)
Located in Bronx, NY
This pair of early 20th century Japanese hand decorated cloisonné’ vases are uniquely designed with a four panel curved body accented by an extended skirte...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Metal, 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 Vases and Vessels

Materials

Metal

19c Bronze Cloisonne Dragon Vessels
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 Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze

Signed Ando Jubei Japanese Cloisonné Vase Imperial Yellow with Roses
Located in Somis, CA
A very rare Ando Jubei (1876-1956) Rose vase on imperial yellow background in excellent condition. In classic form using colored enamels of burgundy, cream, pink and green to depict ...
Category

20th Century Japanese Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Metal, Enamel

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 Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze

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 Vases and Vessels

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Vintage Tall Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Vase Fighting Dragons Flaming Pearl
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Magnificent hand-crafted Chinese Cloisonné vase, very tall with facing Dragons, from a time capsule estate in Washington D.C. 14 1/2 Inches tall and so highly detailed it is sure to...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

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 Vases and Vessels

Materials

Enamel

Chinese Enamel and French Gilt Bronze Chinoiserie Jardinière
Located in London, GB
Chinese enamel and French gilt bronze Chinoiserie jardinière The enamel Chinese and the gilt bronze French, 19th century Measures: Height 40cm, width 53cm, depth 30cm. This Chin...
Category

19th Century French Chinoiserie Antique Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel

Cloisonné Centerpiece, Japan, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Cloisonné centerpiece. Japan, late 19th century. Wood pedestal: 8 cm height. Centerpiece without wood pedestal: 30 cm height.
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Anglo-Japanese Antique Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

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 Vases and Vessels

Materials

Crystal, Metal, Brass, Copper, Zinc, Enamel

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 Vases and Vessels

Materials

Enamel

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Meiji Era Vase By Gonda Hirosuke
Located in Long Island City, NY
An ancient Japanese vase with magnificent flower decoration made in a polychrome cloisonne enamel on a pale turquoise ground. Classic form for Ja...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

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 Vases and Vessels

Materials

Jade, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Enamel

Pair of Antique Japanese Ormolu Mounted Cloisonné Enamel Vases
Located in London, GB
Of ovoid form with a pierced ormolu rim, decorated throughout with birds, flowers and foliage, raised on pierced ormolu feet; the enamel Japanese, the ormolu French, late 19th centur...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Crane in Bamboo Field
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji period, enamel over brass vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a fluted neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of a crane in bamb...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Brush Pot in the Style of Namikawa
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese copper brush pot with cloisonne enamel design. Early Meiji period, after 1868. Cylinder shape. Cherry blossom motif and floral patterns in cobalt and turquoise bl...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Enamel, Copper

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 Vases and Vessels

Materials

Marble, Enamel

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 Vases and Vessels

Materials

Enamel

Chinese Cloisonne Vase on Stand with Floral Motif
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice Chinese cloisonne vase on stand with floral motif, circa 1970s. The vase is in very good condition with no dings or dents and measure 5.75"D x 11.75"H on a beautiful dark blue...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Antique Cloisonné Floor Vase
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Cloisonné Floor Vase Circa Early 20th Century
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Chinese Export Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Meiji Era Enamel Vase Signed Hayashi Yojiro
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji period, enamel over brass vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a narrow fluted neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of a bird i...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Enamel, Brass

Pair of Early 20th Century 'Republic Period' Chinese Urn Vases
Located in North Miami, FL
A pair of early 20th Century (Republic Period) Chinese urn vases created in the traditional cloisonne method. The miniature vases features brass metal forms with a classic baluster shape. The surface has been exquisitely hand decorated in colored enamel with cherry blossoms and flower patterns growing out of a turquoise rock formation. Both come with their original wooden display stands...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Brass

Japanese Plique-a-Jour Cloisonne Vase
Located in Brisbane, QLD
This plique-a-jour cloisonne vase is an exceptional example of Japanese craftsmanship from the tail end of the Meiji period (1868-1912). The most ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Metal

Antique Japanese Meiji Ginbari Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in Long Island City, 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 Vases and Vessels

Materials

Copper, Enamel

19th Century Cloisonné Enamel Dragon Vase, Meiji Period Japan
Located in London, GB
This intricately decorated antique Japanese vase was crafted in the Meiji period (1868-1912). The vase is of circular form and features a waisted base, large, ovoid body and a lid wi...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Enamel

Rare Shape Chinese Cloisonne Snuff Bottle Hand Enameled, 19thC Qing
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very good example of a small rare shaped triangular Chinese snuff bottle, made from cloisonne´ with hand enamelled decoration depicting various floral designs and complete ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Bronze

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Silver Wire Crane Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with silver wire cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period, Elongated vase of faceted hexagonal shape. The pie...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Rare Japanese Closionne Enamel Vase with Wisteria and Fish Signed
Located in Long Island City, NY
A rare antique Japanese, late Meiji period, enamel over copper vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a long fluted neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of blossoming Wisteria flowers and fish...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Copper, Enamel

High Quality Japan Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Silver Wire Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A high quality Japanese, Meiji era, Cloisonné enamel and silver wire vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a narrow neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of blos...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Enamel, Silver

Antique Pair Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Bird and Garden Vases Attribu
Located in Long Island City, NY
Antique Pair Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Bird and Garden Vases Attributed to Honda The exteriors of the wares are adorned with polychro...
Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases and Vessels

Materials

Enamel

On 1stDibs: Antique Cloisonné Vases and Other Vessels for Your Home

Liven your home with cloisonné vases, bowls, lamps and other vessels and objects 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. 

Shop a collection of antique cloisonné vases and other vessels for your home on 1stDibs.

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