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Cloissoné Vases

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Technique: Cloissoné
Japanese Wireless Cloisonne Enamel Vase by the Ando Company
Located in Newark, England
Art Deco From our Japanese collection, we are delighted to offer this Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase by the Ando Company. The Cloisonne Enamel Vase of globular form decorated in a m...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Art Deco Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Large Pair of Floral Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Vases on Wooden Plinths
Located in London, GB
Large pair of floral Chinese cloisonné enamel vases on wooden plinths Chinese, 20th Century Height 123cm, diameter 52cm This impressive pair of Chinese cloisonné enamel vases are de...
Category

20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Metal, 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

Large Pair of Early 20th-Century Chinese Cloisonné Vases, 1910s
Located in Brescia, Brescia
A striking and monumental pair of cloisonné enamel vases, likely Chinese in origin, dating to the early 20th century (circa 1910s). Standing at 51.5 cm in height with a generous 30 c...
Category

1910s Chinese Chinoiserie Vintage Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Brass, Metal

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

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

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

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

Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Porcelain Vase W Handles
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Japanese enamel on porcelain vase. The vase has a baluster shaped body with a fluted mouth, adorned with a polychrome design representing medallions with blossoming flowers and bir...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Large Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Attributed to Kyoto Shibata
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large antique Japanese Meiji period vase attributed to Kyoto Shibata. Features vivid depictions of birds and floral motifs, showcasing the meticulous application of cloisonne ename...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Brass

Signed Ando Jubei Green Baluster Cloisonné Vase
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

Metal, Enamel

Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Porcelain Totai Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonne enamel porcelain vase, characterized by its exquisite multi colored floral and foliage motifs on a green ground. The use of a vibrant color...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Porcelain

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 Vases

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Gold Stone Enamel Stripe Vases Attributed
Located in Long Island City, NY
Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Gold Stone Enamel Stripe Vases Attributed to Honda A pair of antique Japanese, early Meiji era, enamel over gilt copper vases. The exteriors of...
Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

A Pair of 19th Century Napoleon III Period Sèvres Porcelain Vases.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
A pair of 19th century Napoleon III period Sèvres porcelain vases. A pair of 19th century Napoleon III period Sèvres porcelain vases with gilt bronze and cloisonné mounts. H: 30.5cm...
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Bronze

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

Materials

Bronze

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

Large Antique Japan Meiji Butterflies Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large antique Japanese Meiji period enamel vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a narrow neck. The vase is enameled with a polychrome image of butterflies made in the Cloi...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

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

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Gold Stone Vase with Butterflies Attr Honda Yo
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with polychrome cloisonne enamel decor. Meiji period. Fish tail shape with pronounced base. Intricate butterfly motif and floral patterns. Gold stone ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Copper, 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

Pair of Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Miniature Vases Birds in Cherry
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of antique Japanese, late Meiji period, silver wire enamel vases. Each vase has an amphora shaped body and a fluted neck. The wares are enameled with a polychrome image of a p...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Antique French Neoclassical Style Ormolu and Cloisonne Enamel Clock Set
Located in London, GB
This exceptionally detailed clock set consists of a mantel clock and a pair of accompanying vases, which are all crafted in ormolu and extensively decorated in vibrant cloisonné enam...
Category

19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel

Massive Chinese Cloisonné Vase with Phoenix, Magnolia, Lotus and Chrysanthemums
Located in New York, NY
A massive Chinese blue cloisonné vase or urn depicting a colorful imperial phoenix with gilt bronze wires among birds and butterflies in an imperia...
Category

1920s Chinese Vintage Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

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

Mid-20th Century Vintage Chinese Handcrafted Cloisonne Vases - Pair
Located in Pomona, CA
These pair of cloisonné vases featuring a blue and white floral design, Penney, meaning Wealth and splendor. Cloisonné is a technique for decorating metal objects with colored materi...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Copper

Hayashi School Cloisonné Vase Pair, Meiji Period with Tomobako
Located in Newark, England
Meiji Period (1868-1912)  From our Japanese collection, we are delighted to present this exceptional pair of Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases by the Hayashi School, dating to the Mei...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Silver, Enamel

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

A High Quality Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase With Flying Eagle
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji Era brass and enamel vase. Circa: early 20th century. The baluster form vase is enameled with a polychrome image of an...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Brass, Enamel

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

Two Chinese Gilt Bronze Mounted Cloisonné Enamel Vases
Located in London, GB
These cloisonné enamel vases are wonderful pieces of Chinese decorative art. They were crafted in the last decade of the Qing dynasty, which lasted from 1644 to 1911. The vases a...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel

Antique Japanese Meiji Goldstone Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji Era, enamel over brass vase. Circa: early 20th century. The amphora shaped vase is enameled with a polychrome image of a dragon made in the Cloisonne ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Brass

High Quality Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Double Sided Moon and
Located in Long Island City, NY
A high quality Japanese amphora shaped enamel over brass vase. The vase is adorned with polychrome enamel medallions depicting a crane bird and blossoming flowers, and an evening lan...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Brass

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Green Gold Stone Butterflies Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
Attributed to Namikawa Yasuyuki, 1845 to 1927, a rare antique Japanese, late Meiji era, enamel vase. The vase has an urn shaped body and a wide fluted neck. The body of the vase is a...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

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

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Copper

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Meiji Bird Tree Enamel Vases
Located in Long Island City, 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

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

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

Antique Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase with Geometric Patterns Gard
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonne vase featuring intricate foliage motifs complemented by two exquisite floral panels. The meticulous craftsmanship in depicting foliage patt...
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

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Black Enamel 11 Sparrows on Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period. Elongated vase with pronounced neck. Black body decorated with...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

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

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Silver Wire Meiji Golden Age Wisteria Vases
Located in Long Island City, NY
A matched pair of antique Japanese vases of elongated shape with long flared necks. Meiji period, 1868-1913. The pieces are decorated wi...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Silver

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

Late 20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Brass

Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Baluster Vases
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Fine pair of early 20th century Chinese enamel cloisonné vases. The baluster form bodies are decorated with intricate foliate and vine patterns almost in an arabesque style design wi...
Category

20th Century Chinese Qing Cloissoné Vases

Materials

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

Materials

Silver, Copper, Enamel

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

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

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

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Japanese Vintage Silver Metal Mounted Cloisonne Vase with Fish
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Exceptional vintage Japanese silver mounted cloisonne vase decorated with veiltail gold-fish and carp swimming amidst pond weed and dating arou...
Category

1940s Japanese Mid-Century Modern Vintage Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Silver Plate, Enamel

Large Pair Of Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Wireless Vases Mt Fuji Sun Set
Located in Long Island City, 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

Large Pair Of Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Brush Pots W Peacocks
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of antique Japanese brush pots, Meiji era, 1868 to 1912. The exterior of both matched pieces is enameled with polychrome enamel bloss...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

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

Materials

Bronze

Chinese Cloisonné Vase on Bronze with Phoenixes, 19th Century Qing period
Located in Lincoln, Lincolnshire
This is a very decorative Chinese cloisonné vase dating to the mid 19th Century, Qing period. The vase has a good baluster shape. It has been well made of a bronze alloy with rich ...
Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Ceramic

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Silver Wire Blossom Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with polychrome cloisonne enamel decor. Late Meiji period, attributed to Hayashi Elongated baluster shape. Intricate cherry blossom and bird motif aga...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Vase in the Style of Namikawa
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese early Meiji period cloisonne vase, attributed to the master artisan Namikawa Yasuyuki. Fashioned in a ball-shaped design, this vase is adorned with intricate flor...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Wisteria Ice Blue Ground 7 in Antique Meiji Era
Located in Long Island City, NY
A beautiful antique Japanese cloisonné enamel vase measuring 7 inches tall. The vase features cascading wisteria blossoms in shades of purple and lavender with delicate green leaves,...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Antique Chinese Black Cloisonné Table Lamp with Floral Motif, China, circa 1890
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Offered is a stunning, 19th century cloisonné table lamp with a floral and bird motif. Rested upon decorative wooden stand. US PLUG ADAPTATOR WILL BE FURNISHED FOR FREE TO THE US BU...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Brass

Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Green Vase Flowers and Birds
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large antique Japanese late Meiji period enamel over brass vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a wide neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of birds in bloss...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Brass

Antique Pair Of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases With Hawks, Cranes, Scenes
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of antique Japanese Meiji period facet cloisonne vases, featuring captivating bird motifs. Their substantial size and ribbed design make them standout pieces. Adorned with int...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Vases

Materials

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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