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Cloissoné Vases

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Technique: Cloissoné
Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Turquoise Enamel Japanese Garden Vase Silver Wire
Located in Long Island City, NY
A high quality Japanese, late Meiji era, silver wire and enamel vase. The amphora shaped vase is adorned with polychrome enamel images of birds, trees, blossoming flowers, and screen...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Silver

Antique Large Japanese Wire Cloisonné Enamel Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
Antique large Japanese vase of elongated shape. Late Meiji period, 1868-1913. The piece is decorated with silver wire cloisonne enamel boughs of wisteria flowers and birds against a ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Vases Signed
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine quality Japanese metal vase from the time of Emperor Meiji, 1868 to 1912. Of a baluster form with slightly lobed shoulders, the body is adorned with a finely detailed shaded c...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Metal

Antique Golden Age Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Chrysanthemums And Sparrows Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji era, footed enamel over copper vase in the Hayashi Tanigoro manner, c.1895 to 1935, a Japanese artist. The urn shaped vase is enameled with a polyc...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Pair Of Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases Kyoto School
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of Japanese cloisonne enameled brass vases. They feature a narrow neck, rounded body, and are decorated with an intricate pattern of floral designs in various colors, and gilt...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Early Meiji Namikawa School Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese early Meiji period cloisonne vase, attributed to the renowned artist Namikawa Yasuyuki. Adorned with intricate floral motifs, delicate butterflies, and exquisite ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Pair Of Vintage Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Vases
Located in Long Island City, 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 Silver Wire Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Hayashi School Vase Floral
Located in Long Island City, 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

Pair 19th Century Cloisonné Vases
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 19th Century bronze cloisonné vases. These baluster form vessels feature an enameled body with all-over polychrome foliage motifs on a turquoise ground, with two dragon handl...
Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Metal, Enamel, Bronze

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Turquoise Dragon Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese late Meiji era vase of a baluster shape with a narrow fluted neck. The metal vase is adorned with a polychrome image of a dragon made in the Cloisonne technique o...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji 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

Meiji Period Cloisonne Bulbous Cabinet Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Cabinet Vase, circa 1880 A finely detailed Japanese Meiji period cloisonné cabinet vase, dating to the late 1...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Copper

Exquisite Japanese Wireless Cloisonné Dragon Motif Vase, Meiji / Taisho Period
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Japanese Wireless Cloisonné Enamel Vase, likely from the Meiji period (1868–1912) or possibly the early Taisho period (1912–1926). The vase features a dynamic depiction of a Japanese...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Copper

Large Chinese Dragon Cloisonne Enamel Over Brass Vase
Located in Long Island City, 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

Pair of Large 19th Century Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Blue Ground Enamel Vases Cra
Located in Long Island City, 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

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Blue Enamel Silver Vase with Eagle Signed Inaba
Located in Long Island City, NY
A rare antique Japanese cloisonné enamel silver mounted and silver wire vase Late Meiji period circa 1895 . Elongated shape with pronounced neck. Cobalt blue ground color. The obvers...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Rare Large Pair of Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Lobbed Vases with Dra
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of rare antique Japanese, early Meiji era, enamel over gilt copper vases. Each vase has a lobbed shape. The exteriors of the wares are adorned with polychrome enamel panels an...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

High Quality Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Blossoming Iris’s Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A high quality antique Japanese, late Meiji period, enamel over gilt copper vase. The vase has an urn shaped body and a fluted neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of b...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Copper

A Pair of High Quality Meiji Japanese Era Black Cloisonne Enamel Wisteria and Bi
Located in Long Island City, 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

Enamel, Copper

Large High Quality Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Meiji Vases with Birds
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of large antique Japanese copper vases with polychrome cloisonne enamel decor. Late Meiji period, before 1912. Elongated shape with pronounced neck. Birds and flowers motif ag...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Large Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in Long Island City, 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

Pair Antique Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases
Located in Germantown, MD
Pair Antique Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases Measures 5" in width, 5" in depth and 8" in height.  
Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Brass

Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Birds Flying In Garden
Located in Long Island City, 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

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

Antique Miniature Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Celadon Color Vase with Butterflies
Located in Long Island City, 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

A Monumental Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase, Attributed to Hayashi Kodenji
Located in Long Island City, 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

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

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

Large Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Eagle Floral Design Yellow Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Japanese enamel over copper vase. The exterior of the ware is enameled with a polychrome design depicting an eagle seated on a rock over a seascape made in the Cloisonne technique....
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Copper

A Pair Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Ormolu Bronze Mounted Vases
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of antique Japanese decorative cloisonne enamel vases with a gilt bronze base and handles. Each has a rounded, baluster shape with a dark cobalt blue ground adorned with image...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Bronze

Chinese Cloisonné small Vase with flowers & bird, Circa 1920
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very decorative small cloisonné vase, made in China and dating to the first quarter of the 20th Century. The vase has a good globular baluster shape. It has been well mad...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Large Signed Ando Jubei Japanese Cloisonné Vase Orchids 10"
Located in Somis, CA
A large, rare masterpiece of Ando Jubei's wireless cloisonné artistry in excellent condition, depicting two orchids in full bloom, capturing their delicate beauty and verdant vitalit...
Category

20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Pair of Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases Blossoming Wisteria and Bi
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of antique Japanese Meiji Era enamel vases. Circa: Late 19th century . The baluster form vase is enameled with polychrome images of birds and Wisteria flowering plants made in...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Large Pair of Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase of Birds in a Garden
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of large symmetrical antique Japanese Meiji period enamel over brass vases. Each vase has an amphora shaped body and a narrow neck. Each vase is enameled with a polychrome ima...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Translucent Vase
Located in Long Island City, 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

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

Pair of Antique Chinese Cloisonne Dragon Vases
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent pair of Chinese Antique Cloisonné Vases is the perfect decor pieces. With beautiful two dragons playing design, it is a majest...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Metal, Copper

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase with Flying Cranes Hayashi School
Located in Long Island City, 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 High Quality Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Vases
Located in Long Island City, NY
A beautiful pair of high quality antique Japanese Meiji Era brass and enamel vases, 1868 to 1912. Both are of a baluster form with elegant narro...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Antique Pair Of Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases Namikawa School
Located in Long Island City, 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

Antique Large Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Hawk Floral Vase
Located in Long Island City, 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

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

Japanese Large Cloisonné Vase, Ca. 1900/1910
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Large Cloisonné Vase in Midnight Blue w/ Flowers and Birds, Ca. 1900/1910 DIMENSIONS: Height: 46 inches Diameter: 51.5 inches ABOUT This exquisite vase is a remarkable te...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Japonisme Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Metal

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

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 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

Rare Large Japanese Cloisonne Ginbari And Enamel Vase Cranes And Roosters Blue
Located in Long Island City, 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 Vase Bamboo And Gold Bird Hayashi School
Located in Long Island City, 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

Enamel, Brass

Pair Of Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases Cranes In Flight
Located in Long Island City, 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

Large Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonné Enamel Vase with a Stand
Located in London, GB
Large Japanese Meiji period cloisonné enamel vase with a stand Japanese, Late 19th Century Vase: Height 155cm, diameter 70cm Base: Height 45cm, width 51cm, depth 51cm Total: Height 2...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Large Pair of 20th Century Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases Birds
Located in Long Island City, 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

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Bamboo and Birds
Located in Long Island City, 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 Japanese Cloisonne Goldstone Enamel Moon Flask Vases
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of Japanese footed enamel over copper moon flask shaped vases. The exteriors of the vases are adorned with a polychrome design representing a dancer...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Copper

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 Vases

Materials

Metal

Large Pair of Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases of Birds Flying Over Cherry Blosso
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of large antique Japanese Meiji Era enamel over brass vases attributed to Hayashi Kodenji, Japanese, 1831 to 1915. Circa: 1900s. Unsigned. The baluster form vase is enameled with polychrome images of gold sparrows in blossoming flowers made in the Cloisonne technique. 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

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Brass

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 Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

High Quality Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Silver Wire Vase Blossoming
Located in Long Island City, NY
High Quality Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Silver Wire Vase Blossoming Wisteria and Iris's An antique Japanese, late Meiji period, ena...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Rare Large Pink Pair of Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases
Located in Long Island City, 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

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

Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Silver Wire Dragon Vase Signed
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period, circa 1890 Golden Age . Elongated shape with pronounced neck. Dragon motif against the dark blue...
Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Rare Japanese Meiji Period Moriage Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in Newark, England
Very Rare Moriage Netting From our Japanese collection, we are thrilled to introduce this fine Japanese Moriage Cloisonne Enamel Vase. The Cloisonne Enamel Vase of baluster form wi...
Category

1910s Japanese Meiji Vintage Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Silver, Enamel

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.

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