Imperial Gilt Copper and Cloisonné Enameled Throne

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Imperial Gilt Copper and Cloisonné Enameled Throne

About the Item

Rare imperial gilt copper and cloisonné enameled throne and footrest of extraordinary design and execution. Of rounded rectangle conformation, the back shaped to represent the five (5) sacred mountains. The recess-paneled sides, back, and apron (both interior and exterior) are emblazoned with repousse shaded enameled decorations depicting the eight (8) Imperial gilt repousse Sky Dragons cavorting amongst billowing stylized clouds rising above golden waves and rendered in pale turquoise and sky blue highlighted in gilt all framed within crisply defined squared mouldings ornamented in cloisonné enameled decorations of geometric designs punctuated by shaped reserves rendered in the imperial yellow color. The throne is raised upon claw-footed gilt copper lion’s masks grasping spheres joined all-round by a conformingly shaped stretcher base. Retaining the original footrest of scroll form likewise rendered in complementary cloisonné enameled decorations. Note: The Imperial court’s particular fondness for cloisonné enameled furnishings and objet d’art is evident in the many existing pieces surrounding the thrones and living quarters in the Forbidden City and other palaces. The brilliant colors and luminous surfaces when combined with the rich luster of gilt bronze made cloisonné a perfectly suited medium for imposing ritual vessels and related paraphernalia. In addition to the obvious decorative aspects, the glamorous visual sensation of cloisonné made it a favorite with the Qing emperors and their courts. Cloisonné was made primarily in the palace workshops. Only a relatively smaller portion was produced in the province of Guangdon. While the most impressive use of cloisonné survives in the massive steps of the first floor of the Temple of Raining Flowers, records indicate the manufactory of large and much costlier palace furnishings which no longer survive at the Forbidden City. Although over one thousand smaller objects are still in the palace, most of the cloisonné furniture, including the room with its throne and entire paneling of cloisonné which was built for the Emperor Qing Long, apparently disappeared or were destroyed during the numerous lootings which occurred during the latter half of the 19th and early 20th century.

Dimensions:
Height: 40.5 in (102.87 cm)Width: 38 in (96.52 cm)Depth: 27 in (68.58 cm)Seat Height: 18 in (45.72 cm)
Materials and Techniques:
Enamel,Cloissoné
Place of Origin:
China
Period:
Early 20th Century
Date of Manufacture:
Unknown
Condition:
Seller Location:
Dallas, TX
Reference Number:
Seller: JGarrett Piece1stDibs: LU1077021418892