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Cloissoné Furniture

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Technique: Cloissoné
Chinese Turquoise Cloisonne Trinket Box, Republic Period, c 1920, China
Located in Austin, TX
A lovely Chinese turquoise cloisonne trinket box with images of the Hundred Antiques, Republic Period, circa 1920, China. The rectangular box de...
Category

1920s Chinese Qing Vintage Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Pair Large Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Metal Vases
Located in New York, NY
Pair of brilliant blue Japanese Meiji period cloisonne enamel metal vases with rounded square shape. Each 24 by 8 1/2 by 10 inches.
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Metal

Rectangular Tray, Mediterranean Design by Robert Kuo, Handmade Cloisonne
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rectangular tray Mediterranean design Shades of blue Glass enamel Gold plated copper Cloisonné Limited edition Each piece is individually crafted and is unique. The cloison...
Category

2010s Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Flower Vase
Located in Queens, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with polychrome cloisonne enamel decor. Late Meiji period, before 1912. Ovoid shape with pronounced short neck. The obverse represents iris flowers ag...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Large Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Bowl, Qing Dynasty
Located in Vero Beach, FL
Large Chinese Cloisonne enamel bowl, Qing Dynasty Exceptional and finely decorated Chinese cloisonne punch bowl with gilt metal foot and rim. The bowl has slightly flaring sides ...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Pair of Antique Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vases with French Ormolu Mounts
Located in London, GB
Pair of antique Japanese cloisonné enamel vases with French ormolu mounts Japanese and French, Late 19th Century Height 30.5cm, width 22cm, depth 17cm Virtually identical in design,...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Ormolu, Enamel

Japanese Cloisonné Vase
Located in Lyndhurst, NJ
Japanese cloisonné vase with a green background decorated with roses and ginbari foil basse-taile bamboo designs and patterning and silver trim.
Category

1920s Vintage Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Glass

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Hexagonal Goldstone Enamel Vase
Located in Queens, NY
A Japanese enamel over copper vase. The vase has a hexagonal shaped body with a long narrow neck. The vase is enameled with polychrome geometrical, floral, foliage and foliate scroll...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Baluster Jar & Lid, Fish Scale Design by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition Cloisonné
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Baluster Jar & Lid Fish Scale Design Cloisonne Amber, Brown, and Black Hand Made Limited Edition  
Category

2010s Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Enamel

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 Furniture

Materials

Enamel

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 Furniture

Materials

Multi-gemstone, Brass

Chinese Hardstone Model of Cherry Blossom in a Cloisonné Enamel Planter
Located in London, GB
Chinese hardstone model of cherry blossom in a cloisonné enamel planter Chinese, 20th Century Height 57cm, width 52cm, depth 40cm This exq...
Category

20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Tea Pot
Located in Queens, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji Era lidded copper tea pot. Circa: late 18th century to early 19th century. The body of the ware is adorned with impressed medallions. The lid of the pot is ...
Category

Late 18th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Japanese Cloisonné Vase Ando Jubei with Storage Box
Located in Atlanta, GA
A beautifully decorated cloisonné vase with silver rims by Ando Jubei (1876-1956), the celebrated Japanese Shippo studio. The piece is dated to late Meiji to early Showa period circa...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Metal, Silver, Enamel

Chinese Hardstone Floral Tree in a Cloisonné Enamel Planter
Located in London, GB
Chinese hardstone floral tree in a cloisonné enamel planter Chinese, 20th Century Height 19cm, width 13cm, depth 11cm This stunning flower model combines several semi-precious hardstones with a petite cloisonné enamel planter. Sitting atop a resin-treated metal trunk are multiple hardstone blooms, with materials including lapis lazuli, rose quartz, and carnelian. Each blossom is centred by a stigma, which comprises yellow beads held together by thread-wrapped wire. The vibrant and pastel shades of the flowers are excellently contrasted by the dark green leaves, which are expertly carved from nephrite. The tree sits within a black cloisonné enamel planter. The pot is decorated with pastel pink flowers surrounded by green leaves, complementing the floral theme of the object. Miniature gold clouds cover the entirety of the pot, which in Chinese culture symbolise oncoming good fortune. Bringing together many precious materials and historic techniques, this beautiful Chinese work...
Category

20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Carnelian, Lapis Lazuli, Metal, Enamel

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 Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Chinese Hardstone, Jade and Cloisonné Enamel Flower Tree Models
Located in London, GB
Pair of Chinese hardstone, jade and cloisonné enamel flower tree models Chinese, 20th Century Height 24cm, width 18cm, depth 10cm This pair of charming Chinese models depicts flower trees and is crafted from a large array of high quality materials. The flower trees are crafted from jade as well as other hardstones. The leaves are rendered from deep green jade, making the multi-coloured flowers beautifully stand out. The stigma on each flower is represented by several round beads. Some flowers also include additional twisted metal spring detailing. From the metal tree trunk extends a number of wire branches covered in thread. The execution of the models is outstanding as it creates a trompe l ‘oil effect tricking the observer into believing the model is real. Both models are displayed in vivid cloisonné enamel planters...
Category

20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Stone, Jade, Metal, Enamel

French 19th century Belle Epoque period Onyx, Cloisonné and Ormolu centerpiece
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
A beautiful and most elegant French 19th century Belle Epoque period Onyx, Cloisonné and Ormolu centerpiece planter. This beautiful centerpiece is raised by three Ormolu 'C' scrolled acanthus leaf legs supported on hoof feet. Atop each leg is an Ormolu wing cherub dressed...
Category

19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Onyx, Ormolu

Pair of Large Chinese Hardstone, Jade and Cloisonné Enamel Flower Models
Located in London, GB
Pair of large Chinese hardstone, jade and cloisonné enamel flower models Chinese, 20th Century Height 39cm, width 25cm, depth 25cm Crafted in 20th century China, this pair of lar...
Category

20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Stone, Jade, Metal, Enamel

Pair of Cloisonne Triple Crane-Form Censers and Covers
Located in New York, NY
The cloisonne censer formed by hollow shared body of three cranes standing on long legs.
Category

Mid-20th Century Cloissoné Furniture

Ormolu and Cloisonné Enamel Jardinière Attributed to F. Barbedienne
Located in London, GB
Monumental Chinese cloisonné enamel ormolu mounted jardinière Chinese and French, Late 19th Century Height 105cm, diameter 71cm This magnificent piece is a large ormolu mounted cloi...
Category

Late 19th Century French Chinese Export Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Ormolu

Very Large 19th Century Japanese Cloisonné Bronze Vase with Magnolias
Located in Hudson, NY
Very Large 19th Century Japanese Cloisonné Bronze Vase with a parrot in a magnolia tree.
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Enamel and Brass Bowl Flowers Birds Cloisonné
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful, striking, and colorful vintage cloisonné enamel and brass bowl with spider chrysanthemum flowers and bird design, circa 1960s, 1970s, Asia, China. Beautifully made brass...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Large Vintage Chinese Cloisonne Scalloped Rim Bowl, circa 1950's, China
Located in Austin, TX
A large and attractive vintage Chinese white ground cloisonne scalloped rimmed bowl, mid 20th century, circa 1950's, China. The large vintage cloisonne bowl of generous proportions,...
Category

1950s Chinese Qing Vintage Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Blue and White Covered Box
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Cloisonne Box Round enamel box with lid in a blue and white pattern. Circa, early 20th century Measures: H 5 in. (12.7 cm) NMA No. 2084
Category

20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Chinese Ormolu and Cloisonné Enamel Vase for the Islamic Market
Located in London, GB
Chinese Ormolu and cloisonné enamel vase for the Islamic Market Chinese, early 20th century Dimensions: Height 18cm, diameter 25cm Crafted in China...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu

Mid-20th Century Chinese Hand Made Floral Cloisonne Vase
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Chinese Antique Cloisonné Vases is the perfect decor piece. with beautiful floral design, it is a majestically hand crafted work of art that is sure to capture every...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Copper

Antique Japanese Meiji Goldstone Enamel Censer Koro
Located in Queens, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji Era, lidded and footed enamel over brass censer koro or jar. Circa: late 19th century to early 20th century. The sphere form jar is enameled with imag...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase by the Ando Company
Located in Newark, England
White Rose 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 with a tightly...
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Art Deco Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Early Edo Green Enamel Plate
Located in Queens, NY
A large antique Japanese enamel over copper serving plate. Early Edo period, 19th century. Footed round dish with elevated rims. The interior of the plate is...
Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Pair of 19th Century Miniature Gilt Bronze and Champlevé Enamel Vases
Located in London, GB
A pair of gilt bronze and champlevé enamel vases Constructed from solid fire-gilded bronze, the miniature decorative vases supported on square plinths rising from paw feet, the co...
Category

19th Century French Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel

Pair of Chinese Jade/Stone Bonsai Flower Trees, Each in a Cloisonné Planter
Located in New York, NY
cloisonné planter decorated with objects' motif on blue ground
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Jade, Metal, Enamel

Chinese Cloisonne Phoenix Head Tea or Wine Pot, Mid 20th Century, China
Located in Austin, TX
A delightful and unusual Chinese cloisonne enamel copper wine or tea pot in the form of a phoenix, late Republic Period, or post Republic, mid 20th century, China. The wine pot in t...
Category

Mid-20th Century Qing Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Charger - Black Woodgrain Design Cloisonné by Robert Kuo, Limited Edition
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charger Woodgrain design Black Cloisonné Limited edition The cloisonné´ technique is an enameling on metal technique that dates back to the B...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Copper, Enamel

A Fine Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vase with Dragon&Waves, Signed Kumeno Teitaro
Located in London, GB
Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vase with Dragon and Waves, Signed Kumeno Teitaro Meiji Period (c. 1910–1920) Height: 18 cm Width: 12.5 cm A superb Japanese cloisonné enamel vase of bal...
Category

19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Egg "Flowers" with Wood Stand, Early 20th Century
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting a beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel egg depicting flora theme with a wood stand, early 20th century. #5
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Copper

Pair of Large Gilt Bronze and Cloisonne Urn Table Lamps
By Champeleve
Located in New York, NY
A large pair of gilt bronze and hand-painted and enameled Champleve lamps. An elegant modern neoclassical urn form is combined with a mottled gilt bronze surface and with enamel inla...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Aesthetic Movement Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Chinese Agate, Jade and Rose Quartz Flower Model in a Cloisonné Enamel Pot
Located in London, GB
Chinese agate, jade and rose quartz flower model in a cloisonné enamel pot Chinese, 20th Century Height 28cm, width 37cm, depth 25cm Crafted in 20th century China, this delicate fl...
Category

20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Agate, Jade, Metal, Enamel

Japanese Totai Covered Cloisonne Enamel Porcelain Jar
Located in Queens, NY
A large Japanese covered Totai enamel on porcelain ginger jar. The ware is enameled with polychrome medallions representing blossoming flowers, birds, and butterfly wings surrounded ...
Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

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 Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of 19th Century Neoclassical Bronze and Onyx Champlevé Enamel Vases, France
Located in North Miami, FL
Pair of late 19th century Neoclassical colorful bronze and onyx champlevé enameled footed vases, France By: unknown Material: bronze, copper, metal, enamel, paint, stone, onyx Techn...
Category

Late 19th Century French Neoclassical Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Onyx, Stone, Metal, Bronze, Copper, Enamel

Russian Silver Gilt and Cloisonné Enamel Kovsch
Located in London, GB
The silver gilt kovsch decorated in cloisonné enamel with a pattern of leaves and flowers, set with polished gemstones, marks to the underside. The kovsch is a traditional Russian drinking...
Category

20th Century Russian Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Silver, Enamel

A Pair of Art Deco Chinese Cloisonné Incense Holders w/ Horses, Ca. 1920
Located in New York, NY
A Pair of Art Deco Chinese Cloisonné Horses Incense Holders, Ca. 1920 DIMENSIONS (each) Height: 10.75 inches Length: 9 inches Depth: 5 inches
Category

1950s Japanese Japonisme Vintage Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Metal

French Cloisonné Swan Key Dish Catchall Ashtray
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French cloisonné swan key dish catch all or ashtray France, early 20th century Beautiful crafted piece has wonderful shape and design Rich neutral ton...
Category

Early 20th Century French Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Metal

Chinese Nephrite and Agate Peonies Model in a Cloisonné Enamel Pot
Located in London, GB
Chinese nephrite and agate peonies model in a cloisonné enamel pot Chinese, 20th Century Height 51cm, width 39cm, depth 31cm This remarkable hardstone flower sculpture was crafted...
Category

20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Agate, Metal, Enamel

Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Amphora Shaped Vases
Located in Queens, NY
A pair of high quality Japanese, Meiji era, enamel over brass vases. Each vase has an amphora shaped body and a short wide neck. Each ware is enameled with polychrome medallions depi...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Brass

Napoleon III circular enamel box
Located in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Napoleon III circular enamel box Material bronze and Cloisonne enamel Origin France Circa 1870 19th century Excellent quality and excellent condition Natural wear on its patina Its i...
Category

1870s French Napoleon III Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Antique Woodblock Print Ukiyo-e Utagawa Kuniyoshi Prince Shôtoku attack on Mo
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A lovely figural print by Print artist. Pupil of Utagawa Toyokuni. One of the three principal 'Ukiyo-e' artists of the late Edo period, together with Kunisada (Toyokuni III) and Hir...
Category

19th Century Chinese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Bronze

A Fantastic Pair of 19th Century Chinese Turquoise Ground Cloisonné Dragon Vases
Located in New York, NY
A Fantastic Pair of 19th Century Chinese Turquoise Ground Cloisonné Dragon Vases. Each vase is constructed with a baluster form rising to a tall, flaring neck and resting on a sligh...
Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Pair of Red Cloisonné and Metal Candlestick decorated with birds and flowers
Located in Roma, IT
Pair of vintage candlesticks probably produced between the 60s and 70s. We do not know whether it is a Chinoiserie, therefore candlesticks made in Europe but in an Oriental style, or whether it is a Chinese production, despite the uncertain origin, they remain splendid decorative elements. These candlesticks have a quadrangular base and candle holder in silver metal, polished by us with a specific product. The peculiarity is in the stems of these vintage candlesticks, made with the Cloisonné technique, an artistic enamel decoration that involves a design made of thin threads or strips or small metal partitions...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinoiserie Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Metal, Brass, Enamel

Pair of Cloisonné Enamel Decorated and Silver Gilt Eggs
Located in London, GB
Pair of cloisonné enamel decorated and silver gilt eggs Russian, 20th Century Height 7cm, diameter 5cm This duo of Russian antique eggs, artfully hand-fashioned from gilded silver and bedecked with painstakingly rendered cloisonné enamel, serve as proud emblems of the nation's rich lineage of gem-studded eggs. Crafted from sterling silver, as attested by the coveted '84' zolotnik stamp, each egg gleams with a seductive sheen, their interiors revealing the full splendour of gilded silver. The enamel floral arabesques, a hallmark of Russian craftsmanship, undulate elegantly across the egg's shell in an intricate ballet. These arabesques are arranged in a patterned circular band around the eggs, with larger circular, floral emblems taking centre stage in the body of the pieces. The bold blues of the enamel - in varying shades, from azure to navy - are offset by vibrant ruby red accents, making for an arresting visual contrast. Deeply rooted in a vibrant cultural tradition, these Russian eggs...
Category

20th Century Russian Belle Époque Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Silver, Enamel

A Pair of Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Goldstone Butterfly Vases
Located in Queens, NY
Attributed to Namikawa Yasuyuki, 1845 to 1927, a pair of rare identical antique Japanese, late Meiji era, enamel vases. Each vase has an urn shaped body and a wide fluted neck. The b...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

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

Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Bronze

Antique Bronze Enamel Elephant Incense Sculpture Cloissone Champleve
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Enameled bronze elephant incense scupture, figure. Either Japanese Cloissone or French Champleve . No makers markings.
Category

19th Century Japanese Anglo-Japanese Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

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 Furniture

Materials

Metal

Large Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Lanterns
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Lanterns such as these were widely produced during the Shang Dynasty. They were mainly used for various ceremonial purposes and featured high quality craftsmanship and ornate details...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Enamel

Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Translucent Floral Black Vase
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Translucent Floral Black Vase An antique Japanese copper vase with polychrome cloisonne enamel design. Early Meiji period, ca. 1870s. Sl...
Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Cabinet, LALA by Reda Amalou, 2019, Gallery Collection, Art of Cloisonné Tiles
Located in Paris, FR
The Gallery collection showcases exclusive designs by Reda Amalou. The pieces are crafted by some of the best artisans around the world and are edited as a series of 8 and 4 artist’s proofs. Each piece is signed and numbered. Sophisticated simplicity for our new cabinet, a piece of our Gallery Collection made with traditional art of enamel cloisonné tiles...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Modern Cloissoné Furniture

Materials

Brass, 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 Furniture

Materials

Metal

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Silver Wire Crane Vase
Located in Queens, 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 Furniture

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Cloisonné Vases, Lamps, Bowls and Other Furniture and Objects for Sale on 1stDibs

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

Find cloisonné vases, lighting, decorative bowls and other objects for sale on 1stDibs.

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