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Technique: Cloissoné
Vintage Asian Bronze Champlevé Cloisonné Enamel Baluster Table Lamp
Located in Clifton Springs, NY
Extra-large vintage table lamp features sculptural urn shaped bronze body with elongated graphic neck that gives it a baluster silhouette. The lamp is decorated with enameled cloiso...
Category
20th Century Asian Chinoiserie Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Brass, Enamel, Bronze, Metal
Two Massive Late Qing Cloisonné Enamel Models of Cranes
Located in London, GB
Two massive late Qing cloisonné enamel models of cranes
Chinese, circa 1900
Measures: Height 187cm, width 52cm, depth 50cm
These extraordinary Chin...
Category
Early 1900s Chinese Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
$252,236 / set
Ando Jubei Japan 1950 Showa Period Cloisonné Enamel Green Bombe Vase
By Ando Jubei
Located in Miami, FL
Cloisonné enamel vase designed by Ando Jubei.
Beautiful piece of Japanese decorative arts, created by the Ando Jubei Company during the Showa...
Category
1950s Japanese Showa Vintage Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Silver, Enamel
$1,048 Sale Price
30% Off
Large Vintage Decorative Chinese Cloissone Vase with Imperial Dragon Handles
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large vintage cloissone vase is signed by an unknown maker, and originated from China dating to approximately 1980 and done in a Chinese Export st...
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Brass
Chinese Hardstone Flower Model in a Cloisonné Enamel Planter
Located in London, GB
Chinese hardstone flower model in a cloisonné enamel planter
Chinese, 20th Century
Height 20cm, width 12cm, depth 9cm
This superb flower mode...
Category
20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Stone, Agate, Enamel
pair of Chinese cloisonné bottle vases
Located in New York, NY
floral motif on yellow ground
Category
Late 20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Metal, Enamel
$3,500 / set
Antique Cloissone Enameled Figural Garden Scene Table Lamp Circa 1920
Located in Big Flats, NY
An antique double socket table lamp offers Chinese vase with Cloissone enameled allover garden design having flowers and cast figural dragon d...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Metal, Enamel
$760 Sale Price
20% Off
19th Century Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Brass Trinket Box
Located in Marbella, ES
19th century Chinese cloisonné enamel brass trinket box.
Category
Mid-19th Century Chinese Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Metal
Signed Ando Jubei Japanese Cloisonné Vase Cream Yellow with Roses 7.5"
By Ando Jubei
Located in Somis, CA
A stunning large Ando Jubei (1876-1956) rose vase set against delicate cream yellow Musen-jippo background. In classic form with hand-finished silver metal rims. Soft pink contrastin...
Category
20th Century Japanese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Metal, Enamel
$900 Sale Price
35% Off
2 Japanese cloisonné plates, 19th c.
Located in New York, NY
bird and floral motif on turquoise ground; the stands shown in the pictures are not included with these plates
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Metal, Enamel
$600 / set
Chinese Cloisonné Enamel and Hardstone Flower Model
Located in London, GB
Chinese cloisonné enamel and hardstone flower model
Chinese, 20th Century
Height 17cm, width 15cm, depth 12cm
This charming hardstone flower arrangement showcases the artistry and m...
Category
20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Stone, Agate, Metal, Enamel
Pair of Vases with Elephants by F. Barbedienne, France, circa 1880
Located in PARIS, FR
Signed F. Barbedienne
Charming pair of small vases in gilded and enameled bronze, with orientalist decoration of arabesques and polychrome foliage on a blue background. They are dec...
Category
1880s French Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Antique Japanese Meiji Era Ginbari Cloisonne Vase
Located in Queens, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with polychrome cloisonne enamel decor. Late Meiji period, before 1912. Baluster shape, black body with ginbari decor representing a chrysanthemum flo...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Copper, 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 Furniture
Materials
Ormolu, Bronze, Enamel
Russian Kovsch in Silver Gilt, Cloisonné Enamel and Silver Pearl
Located in London, GB
Russian kovsch in silver gilt, cloisonne enamel and silver pearl
Russian, 20th Century
Height 7cm, width 12cm, depth 7cm
This kovsch is a meticulously crafted piece, made by marryin...
Category
20th Century Russian Folk Art Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Silver, Enamel
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Plate Charger Birds Butterflies Geometri
Located in Queens, NY
A fine quality antique Japanese Meiji era enamel plate,
The central medallion depicts a scene with birds and butterflies sitting on a blooming branch.
The central part is surrounded by six medallions depicting picturesque scenes with partridge birds...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Large Chinese Agate and Nephrite Flower Model in a Cloisonné Enamel Basket
Located in London, GB
Large Chinese agate and nephrite flower model in a cloisonné enamel basket
Chinese, 20th Century
Height 29cm, width 40cm, depth 29cm
This elegant 20th century Chinese creation fe...
Category
20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Stone, Agate, Metal, Enamel
Chinese Qing Fine Quality Black Cloisonne Lidded Container
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stunning and quality Chinese Qing black cloisonne enamel lidded container dating from the latter 19th or early 20th century. The container is brass b...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Qing Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Large Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Black Hawk in Cherry Blossom Tree Charge
Located in Queens, NY
An antique Japanese late Meiji era decorative enamel over copper charger plate. The interior of the plate is adorned with a polychrome image of a hawk seated on a sakura tree branch,...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel, Copper
Cloisonné plaque depicting two Ryu dragons with gaping jaws
Located in Milano, IT
Japanese rectangular cloisonné plaque decorated on a black background with bright polychrome enamels, worked in silver wire depicting two Ryu dragons with gaping jaws.
Work published...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Rare Totai Shippo Pair Large Japanese Cloisonne On Porcelain Enamel Vases
Located in Queens, NY
A pair of rare symmetrical large antique Japanese, Ming era, Totai porcelain vases. Each vase has a globular shaped body and a fluted mouth. The exteriors of the wares are covered wi...
Category
20th Century Japanese Ming Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
$10,500 Sale Price / set
30% Off
pair of Chinese double gourd cloisonné cover vases
Located in New York, NY
floral motif blue panels on yellow ground
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Deer
Located in New York, NY
decorated with stylized scrolls on blue ground
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Metal, Enamel
$12,000 / set
Large Chinese Hardstone Tree Model with Birds in a Cloisonné Enamel Pot
Located in London, GB
Large Chinese hardstone tree model with birds in a cloisonné enamel pot
Chinese, 20th Century
Height 42cm, width 31cm, depth 23cm
Crafted in 20th century China, this superb objet d...
Category
20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Stone, Jade, Metal, Enamel
Japanese Table Cabinet with Cloisonne Panels in the style of Namikawa Sosuke
Located in Atlanta, GA
A Japanese wood and cloisonne cabinet circa Meiji period, late 19th-early 20th century. The small table top cabinet features
a single drawer on top, four small doors with cloisonne panels on the second tier, a pair of larger cloisonne doors on the main level flanked by two skinny panels, and finally two drawers on the low level. It has a scroll carved base and sides as well four pagoda-shape cornices. The cloisonne panels were obviously the work of two different artist studios and were assembled on purpose to demonstrate a mixture of styles. The small top and the two skinny panels on the main level are of an earlier scrolling design that emphasize the wire work; The rest of the eight larger panels were done in a much later and painterly style attributed to Namikawa Sosuke...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Japonisme Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel, Metal
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Flying Geese Enamel Plate Goto
Located in Queens, NY
An antique Japanese late Meiji era decorative enamel over copper plate or charger. Attributed to Goto
The interior of the plate is adorned with a polychrome design of flying geese ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel, Copper
$2,250 Sale Price
50% Off
Pair of Antique Chinese Cloisonné Vases
Located in Hudson, NY
A pair of Chinese enamel vases with elephant head handles. Decorated with a cloisonné phoenix and flower motif. Cloisonné is an ancient technique u...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
$7,500 / set
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Golden Age Wisteria and Birds Vase Attributed t
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Golden Age Wisteria and Birds Vase Attributed to Hayashi
high quality work
An antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji p...
Category
19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Large Antique Chinese Cloisonnae Imperial Dragon Decorated Bowl
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This large and very well executed cloisonnae bowl is signed by and unknown artist and originates from China in approximately 1900 in the period Chinese Export style. The bowl is done with black as the predominant color and decorated with Imperial Dragons...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Metal
Art Deco Hand-Carved Wood Sculpture of Man with Serpent, Circa 1920s
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco
Man with Serpent
Hand-Carved Wood Sculpture
Circa 1920s
DIMENSIONS
Height: 23.5 inches Width: 14.5 inches Depth: 8.75...
Category
1920s German Art Deco Vintage Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Wood
Very Fine and Rare Onyx, Porcelain, Cloisonné Enamel and Ormolu Mantel Clock
Located in London, GB
Very fine and rare green onyx, porcelain, cloisonné enamel and ormolu mantel clock
French, Late 19th Century
Height 64cm, diameter 23cm
This beautiful piece is an exceptionally unusual and equally beautiful mantel clock, crafted from a variety of materials, used to showcase an array of superb decorative arts and techniques. Made in France in the late nineteenth century it is formed of green onyx, porcelain (the vase on top), cloisonné enamel and ormolu.
The dials are set upon three columns of ormolu, mounted on green onyx, and framed with enamel in red, white, and blue, floral motifs. The dials are adorned with lettering in both French and Spanish, and measure time, temperature, and pressure. An elegant decorative vase mounts the clock, crafted from porcelain, and similarly decorated with enamel elements. Rare in design and even rare in terms of pure quality, it forms a unique antique timepiece...
Category
Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Onyx, Enamel, Ormolu
Very Large Chinese Enamel Jardinière on Hardwood Stand
Located in London, GB
Very large Chinese enamel jardinière on hardwood stand
Chinese, 20th century
Measures: Height 127cm, diameter 116cm
This exceptionally l...
Category
20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Chinese Dragon-Form Cloisonné Enamel Candelabra
Located in London, GB
Chinese dragon-form cloisonné enamel candelabra
Chinese, early 20th century
Measures: Height 31cm, width 16cm, depth 19cm
This unusual pair of candelabra, or candlesticks, is a ...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
$7,707 / set
Magnificent Cloisonné Enamel & Gilt Bronze Tripod 'Cranes' Incense Burner & Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Magnificent Cloisonne Enamel & Gilt Bronze Tripod 'Cranes' Incense Burner & Cover. In the Qianlong style, impressively cast and supported on the shoulders of three cranes. The globul...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Pair Of Japanese Totai Cloisonne Enamel Cache Pots
Located in Queens, NY
A pair of Japanese Totai enamel on porcelain cache pots or planters. The ware is enameled with polychrome blossoming flowers and foliage motifs on the turquoise ground made in the Cl...
Category
19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Antique Chinese Cloisonné Salt Cellar and Pepper Shaker Sets
Located in New York, NY
Antique Chinese enamel on copper cloisonné salts and pepper shaker sets.
There are 12 pieces in total. 6 salt cellars, and 6 matching pepper shakers.
Colors include blue, dark green, red, black , and light green.
The light green salt...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Copper
Antique Asian Chinese Opium Box Cloisonné Enamel, Tobacco Snuff Box Floral Motif
Located in Leuven , BE
Old Chinese Opium Box in Cloisonné Enamel, decorated with Vases and Flowers.
French Private Collection
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Metal
Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Brass Vase W Foliage Motif
Located in Queens, NY
A Chinese enamel over brass vase. It has a classic, rounded body that tapers to a narrow neck. Adorned with polychrome enamel in foliage and floral motifs made in the Cloisonne techn...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Chinese Floral Cloisonné Enamel and Ormolu Vase for Islamic Market
Located in London, GB
Chinese floral Cloisonné enamel and ormolu vase for Islamic Market.
Chinese, early 20th century
Dimensions: Height 20cm, diameter 23cm
This beaut...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel, Ormolu
Vintage Russian Silver Gilt and Polychrome Cloisonné Enamel Spoons
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional, fine and impressive set of eight antique Russian silver and enamel spoons; an addition to our silver flatware collection
These exceptional vintage Russian silver and enamel spoons have an oval shaped bowl onto a elongated stem.
The reverse surface of each bowl is embellished with cloisonné floral and scrolling leaf designs on black enamel background, accented with various unusual tones of polychrome enamel highlighting the bead, spindle and tear drop ornamentation.
The enamel segments are encompassed with applied silver gilt paralleling rope twist ornamentation.
The posterior surface of each handle incorporates a lobed knop to the shoulders.
The spoons terminate with blue and maroon toned cloisonné enamel decorated hand pieces encompassed with alternating bead and spindle designs, in addition to a lobed coronet style finial to each terminal.
The hallmarks to the anterior surface of the stem of these impressive Russian enamel spoons...
Category
1940s Russian Vintage Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Silver, Enamel
Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Over Porcelain Octagonal Planters on Gilt Wood Bases
Located in El Monte, CA
This unique pair of Chinese porcelain octagonal planters are a masterclass in the art of Cloissoné. Rarely do you see such a fine example of the technique over porcelain. Each panel ...
Category
20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Porcelain
Japanese Meiji Era Goldstone Enamel Censer Koro
Located in Queens, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji Era tripod enamel metal censer koro. Circa: late 19th century. The sphere form ware is enameled with polychrome medallions with blossoming flowers and butte...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
$1,000 Sale Price
50% Off
Large Scale Japanese Cloisonne Tree Bark Vase Lamp
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large scale Japanese "Tree Bark" style Cloisonne vase lamp. The vase itself is believed to be 19th century and was later mounted as a lamp in the 1...
Category
19th Century Japanese Japonisme Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Metal
Early Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Bulbous Vase with Geometric Pattern
Located in Queens, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design against a bright turquoise background. Meiji period.
The vase is of a bulbous shape with a long fluted neck. Birds flyin...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel, Copper
Antique Japanese Meiji Era Cloisonne Enamel Plate Goto
Located in Queens, NY
An antique Japanese, probably Goto school, enamel over copper charger plate.
The exterior of the plate is adorned with a polychrome image of ducks flying over a pond with blossomin...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Plate with Geometric Patterns
Located in Queens, NY
An antique Japanese, Meiji era, enamel plate.
The interior of the plate is adorned with a polychrome enamel image of a butterfly in blossoming flowers surrounded by a cloud motif, r...
Category
19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Copper, Enamel
$700 Sale Price
30% Off
Pair of Early 20th Century 'Republic Period' Chinese Urn Vases
Located in North Miami, FL
A pair of early 20th Century (Republic Period) Chinese urn vases created in the traditional cloisonne method. The miniature vases features brass metal forms with a classic baluster shape. The surface has been exquisitely hand decorated in colored enamel with cherry blossoms and flower patterns growing out of a turquoise rock formation. Both come with their original wooden display stands...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Brass
Japanese lantern in cast iron decorated with colourfull enameled champleve.
Located in PARIS, FR
Tall hexagonal lantern in bronze with a blue, red and green enamel openwork with stylized lotus flower motives. The shaft has a nice brown patina. The base is decorated with taotie m...
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Antique Edo Japanese Cloisonne Geometric Design Box
Located in Queens, NY
An antique Japanese brass enamel ceremonial food container with a cover adorned with a pointed finial. Characterized by cloisonne floral designs...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Brass, Enamel
$400 Sale Price
73% Off
Chinese Cloisonné Censer
Located in New York, NY
decorated with openwork panels, and a mythical bird finial; censer is standing on three boar's head form feet
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Metal, Enamel
$4,500
Chinese Hardstone Flower Model in a Cloisonné Enamel Pot
Located in London, GB
Chinese hardstone flower model in a cloisonné enamel pot
Chinese, 20th Century
Height 20cm, width 16cm, depth 9cm
Crafted in 20th century C...
Category
20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Stone, Carnelian, Jade
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 Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Chinese Jade, Carnelian, and Quartz Flower Model in a Cloisonné Enamel Planter
Located in London, GB
Chinese jade, carnelian, and quartz flower model in a cloisonné enamel planter
Chinese, 20th Century
Height 18cm, width 9cm, depth 9cm
This c...
Category
20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Agate, Carnelian, Metal
19th Century Chinese Round Polychrome Cloisonné Charger
Located in Milford, NH
A striking round polychrome cloisonné charger with running deer, scrollwork, various characters, and a geometric border , all on a teal blue ground, ...
Category
19th Century Chinese Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Crane in Bamboo Field
Located in Queens, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji period, enamel over brass vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a fluted neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of a crane in bamb...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Grande Vaso Cloisonné Oriente XX Secolo
By Non-Standard Furniture and Lighting
Located in Milano, IT
Grande vaso in bronzo decorato a cloisonné con smalti colorati, a rappresentare paesaggi, volatili e fiori di gusto orientale.
Category
20th Century Asian Other Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$8,273 Sale Price
20% Off
Cloisonné Enamel and Silver Russian Kovsh
Located in London, GB
This wonderful Kovsh (an ornamental drinking vessel) was created at the start of the 20th century in Imperial Russia. Made of 875 grade silver, the Kovsh is of oval form and features...
Category
Early 20th Century Russian Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Silver, Enamel
Chinese Hardstone Flower Model in a Cloisonné Enamel Flowerpot
Located in London, GB
Chinese hardstone flower model in a cloisonné enamel flowerpot
Chinese, 20th Century
Height 18cm, width 11cm, depth 11cm
This intricate flower model combines super cloisonné enamelling with several carved semi-precious stones, making it a highly collectable object.
A metal trunk is set within the planter, treated with resin to evoke the natural texture of the bark. The trompe l’oeil illusion is continued via the branches, which are comprised of wire wrapped with brown thread. The branches are capped with a number of nephrite leaves and hardstone blooms, which contrast dark green shades with light red and pink flowers. The petals are carved from carnelian, rose quartz, and jade, and these hardstones can connote symbolic symbolism such as strength and healing. Each bloom is centred by a beaded stigma, the bright colours of which stand out against the hardstones.
The cloisonné enamel planter...
Category
20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Carnelian, Jade, Quartz, Metal, Enamel
Japanese Totai Covered Cloisonne Enamel Porcelain Jar
Located in Queens, NY
A Japanese covered Totai enamel on porcelain ginger jar. The ware is enameled with polychrome images of blossoming flowers, butterflies, and dragonflies made in the Cloisonne techniq...
Category
19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Attr To Namikawa Rare Pair Japanese Cloisonne Enamel 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 a globular shaped body and a long fluted neck. T...
Category
19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
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.