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Technique: Cloissoné
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Spring Motifs Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese cloisonne enamel vase featuring an elegant form with high shoulders and a light saturated blue color enamel. Decorated with motifs of spring, a blossoming tree an...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Cloissoné Vases
Materials
Enamel
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 Vases
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 Vases
Materials
Brass
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 Vases
Materials
Metal
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 Vases
Materials
Enamel
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 Vases
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 Vases
Materials
Brass, 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 Vases
Materials
Enamel
Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Butterfly Bowl
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji era enamel brass bowl. The surface of the bowl is enameled with a polychrome images of butterflies and blossoming flowers on a cobalt blue ground surrounded...
Category
19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Large Pair Of Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Wireless Vases Mt Fuji Sun Set
Located in New York, NY
A pair of antique Japanese Meiji Era wireless cloisonne or musen shippo vases. The vases have a light blue ground with a landscape depicting Mount Fuji on one vase and a landscape wi...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases
Materials
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 Vases
Materials
Enamel
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Bamboo and Birds
Located in New York, NY
PLEASE NOTE THIS LISTING IS FOR JUST ONE VASE, NOT TWO....
THE VASE FOR SALE IS THE VASE PICTURED IN THE LISTING.
An antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonne vase of a baluster shap...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Vases
Materials
Enamel
Antique Pair Of Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases Namikawa School
Located in New York, NY
A pair of Japanese cloisonne enamel early Meiji translucent enamel vases . Each vase has an urn shaped body, a wide neck, and a fluted base. The vases are adorned with polychrome ena...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases
Materials
Enamel
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 Vases
Materials
Silver, 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 Vases
Materials
Brass, Enamel
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 Vases
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Signed Ando Jubei Green Wireless Cloisonné Vase Large 10"
By Ando Jubei
Located in Somis, CA
A large masterpiece of Ando Jubei wireless cloisonné vase at an exceptional 10" height. In his signature green enamel, portraying an intricate arabesque design of a blooming clematis...
Category
20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Vases
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Signed Ando Jubei Japanese Cloisonné Vase Imperial Yellow with Roses
By Ando Jubei
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
Materials
Metal, Enamel
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 Vases
Materials
Enamel
Signed Ando Jubei Green Baluster Cloisonné Vase
By Ando Jubei
Located in Somis, CA
A beautiful pristine condition Ando Jubei wireless cloisonné vase in baluster form. In his signature green enamel, portraying an intricate arabesque design of a blooming clematis vin...
Category
20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Vases
Materials
Enamel, Metal
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 Vases
Materials
Enamel, Copper
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 Vases
Materials
Enamel
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Wisteria Attributed To OTA Silver
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Hayashi school brass and enamel vase, Meiji period, 1868 to 1912. The baluster body is finely worked in silver wire and adorned with a polychrome design represent...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases
Materials
Enamel
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 Vases
Materials
Copper, Enamel
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 Vases
Materials
Copper, Enamel
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
Late Meiji Period (1868-1912)-Early Taisho Period (1912-1926)
Dimensions: 46” high x 51.5” diameter
Category
Early 1900s Japanese Japonisme Antique Cloissoné Vases
Materials
Metal
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 Vases
Materials
Enamel, Silver
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Silver Wire Signed OTA Japanese Screen
Located in New York, NY
A Japanese Silver wire and enamel bud vase. The vase is enameled with a polychrome garden design with blossoming flowers and trees made in the Cloisonne technique onthe dark blue gro...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Vases
Materials
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 Vases
Materials
Enamel
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Rooster Vase
Located in New York, NY
A large Japanese amphora shaped enamel over brass vase. The vase is enameled with polychrome images of a rooster and a hen in flowers and leaves made in the Cloisonne technique on tu...
Category
19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases
Materials
Enamel, Brass
Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Butterfly Vase Attributed to Hayashi Kodenji
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese, Meiji era, Silver wire enamel vase attributed to Hayashi Kodenji, Japanese, 1831 to 1915. Circa 1900s. The baluster form vase is enameled with polychrome images of butterflies made in the Cloisonne technique on a black ground. The base and the neck of the ware are adorned with a geometrical motif on a green ground made in the same technique. Unmarked. Hayashi Kodenji was a pivotal figure in the history of Cloisonne enamel manufacturer. He was instrumental in the formation and leadership of the Shippo cho enamellers guild, and it is probable that he worked for the Nagoya-based Shippo Kaisha. He exhibited and won prizes at many international exhibitions: Nuremberg 1885 Silver, Paris 1889...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Vases
Materials
Enamel
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 Vases
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 Vases
Materials
Copper
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 Vases
Materials
Enamel, Bronze
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 Vases
Materials
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 Vases
Materials
Enamel, Copper
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Jardiniere Mounted In Bronze Dragons
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese decorative cloisonne enamel vase with a gilt bronze base and handles. It has a rounded, bowl like shape of a blue color with floral and swirl patterns, adorned wi...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Vases
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
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 Vases
Materials
Bronze
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase with Flying Cranes Hayashi School
Located in New York, NY
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase with Flying Cranes Hayashi School
An antique Japanese, late Meiji period, enamel . The vase has a sphere shaped body and a wide fluted n...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases
Materials
Enamel, Brass
Pair Of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Trumpet Vases Dragons Attributed To Honda
Located in New York, NY
A antique pair of Japanese cloisonne enamel Meiji period vases. Each vase has a trumpet shaped body, a wide fluted neck, and a fluted base. The vases are adorned with polychrome enam...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases
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 Vases
Materials
Enamel
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
Materials
Copper
Chinese Cloisonné Vase with Large Phoenix and Dragon, circa 1940s
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
1940s Chinese Cloisonné large vase. Cloisonné is an ancient technique which incorporates decorative materials like enamel, colored glass, or gemstones into metalwork objects bound by wire on metal backing. The vase features extraordinary depictions of Chinese mythological phoenix bird and a dragon in vibrant colors of red, blue, pink, and green, against a black background with gold geometric overlay. Also featured are vibrant greenery leaves and puffy clouds or floral motifs in pastel colors.
The vase has a large urn design with a bronze rim and base. The vase features a series of blue foliage along the base and has ancient Chinese geometric motifs along the top perimeter. This is an unusually tall vase and comes with a hand carved mahogany wood base. Vase Measure 26" height without the base and 29.5"H with the base. Looks amazing with or without the base. Second vase with pink dragon...
Category
1940s Chinese Chinese Export Vintage Cloissoné Vases
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Brass, Enamel, Bronze
Antique Silver Wire Meijie Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Ota Kichisaburo School Vase
Located in New York, NY
A Japanese enamel vase, Ota Kichisaburo School, Meiji period, 1868 to 1912. The baluster body finely worked in silver wire vase, adorned with a polychrome design representing a pair ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases
Materials
Enamel
A Pair of Large Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases with Iris's
Located in New York, 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 Vases
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Large Chinese Black Cloisonne Floral Enameled Vase Signed 20thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
Large Chinese Black Cloisonne Floral Enameled Vase Signed 20thC.
Measures- 11.75"H x 7.75"W x 7.75"D.
A stunning large Chinese cloisonné vase from the 20th century, featuring i...
Category
20th Century Cloissoné Vases
Materials
Metal
Chinese Blue Cloisonne Floral Enameled Vase 20thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
Chinese Blue Cloisonne Floral Enameled Vase 20thC.
Measures- 9.25"H x 5"W x 5"D.
A beautifully crafted Chinese cloisonné vase from the 20th century, featuring intricate floral ...
Category
20th Century Cloissoné Vases
Materials
Metal
20th Century Antique Chinese Cloisonne Vase
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Chinese Antique Cloisonne vase was hand made from gold copper with cloisonne. It has detailed cloisonne works of Crane, Pine...
Category
20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Vases
Materials
Copper
Sarreguemines Majolica Jardiniere in the Japonisme Style, 1880-1890
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A gorgeous turquoise blue Majolica jardiniere made by the French manufactory Sarreguemines circa 1880-1890. The jardiniere is decorated in the eclectic Japonisme-style with beautifully hand-painted birds among pine branches, faux cloisonne...
Category
Late 19th Century French Japonisme Antique Cloissoné Vases
Materials
Faience, Majolica, Pottery
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 Vases
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
Materials
Metal, Copper
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 Vases
Materials
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 Vases
Materials
Brass, 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 Vases
Materials
Enamel
Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Cloud Vase
Located in New York, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji Era enamel over brass brush pot. The surface of the rounded bowl is enameled with a polychrome images of blossoming flowers on a white and blue ground surro...
Category
19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases
Materials
Enamel, Brass
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 Vases
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Pair of Large 19th Century Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Blue Ground Enamel Vases Cra
Located in New York, NY
A large pair of Japanese Meiji Period Blue-Ground Cloisonne enamel vases, 19th century. Very nice quality, with cloisonne enamel throughout, depicting cranes, flowers and blossoms wi...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases
Materials
Enamel
Large Pair of 20th Century Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases Birds
Located in New York, NY
A pair of large antique Japanese, late Meiji era, enamel copper vases. The urn shaped vases are adorned with polychrome images of birds in blossoming flowers against a bright turquoi...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Vases
Materials
Enamel, Copper
Find Exquisite Antique Cloisonné Vases for Sale on 1stDibs
As ceramic vases and other types of decorative vessels are gaining popularity again — the personalization of handmade craftsmanship has served as a sort of anti-Internet to screen-weary designers — antique cloissonné vases can help introduce interesting colors and patterns to your space.
Technically, enamel is colored glass fused to metal. But that simple description greatly understates the case. Applied using an array of techniques to a wide range of objects, enamel is one of the most dynamic, and alluring, mediums in the world. And cloisonné vases, bowls, lamps and other objects and vessels ornamented with lustrous enamel can truly liven your home.
No one knows for sure when or where enameling originated. But, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, it is widely believed that the decoration on a gold scepter found in a royal Mycenaean tomb at Kourion Kaloriziki, in Cyprus, and dating to the 11th century BC, is a true, early example of the technique.
Between the 6th and 12th centuries AD, cloisonné — in which tiny compartments (cloisons) made by soldering copper filaments to a metal surface are filled with vibrantly hued enamel — had a huge vogue in the Byzantine Empire. By the 7th century, Lombard craftsmen in northern Italy were using enamel to emulate Byzantine objects. In the 12th and 13th centuries, artisans in China imported the technique and made it so much their own that enameled objects have long been associated with Eastern aesthetics and motifs rather than Western ones.
Collectors of authentic antique Chinese furniture and decorative objects know that Ming dynasty-era cloisonné objects are particularly coveted. Although ornamentation was minimal at the time, Ming dynasty furniture often featured carved or painted details of flowers, insects, dragons, fruits and other motifs. As overseas trade expanded, techniques from the West, like cloisonné enamel painting, adorned table screens and other pieces.
Elaborately decorated Ming-era cloisonné objects and furnishings — vessels and other items featuring lots of vibrant colors and details — are likely to fetch considerable sums at auction, as Chinese cloisonné vases created during the Ming and Qing eras represent a golden age of the country’s furniture design. (Victorian cloisonné is also popular with design enthusiasts.)
Cloisonné wasn’t adopted in Japan until the 1800s. Back then, amid an era of societal and cultural shifts, a bolstered interest in art and design elevated Japanese craft traditions during the Meiji period. European styles like Japonisme appropriated Japanese design while craftsmen in places like Wales and England employed japanning, a varnishing technique that approximated the appearance of lacquer for the surfaces of furnishings.
Today, Meiji-era cloisonné vases or incense burners in good condition are of great interest to collectors of Asian art and furniture produced by the period’s Japanese cloisonné workshops.
Find antique cloisonné vases and other cloisonné objects for sale on 1stDibs.