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Technique: Cloissoné
"Whispers of Elegance: Rare White Japanese Cloisonné Wisteria Tree Enamel Vase"
Located in Queens, NY
A very rare small Japanese enamel and probably Silver vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a fluted neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of wisteria blossoming...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Silver, Enamel
$1,260 Sale Price
30% Off
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Green Gold Stone Butterflies Vase
Located in Queens, 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 Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Rare Forest Green Silver Wire Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Rooster Vase
Located in Queens, NY
A rare high quality large antique Japanese, late Meiji period, Silver wire and enamel over copper vase. The amphora shaped vase has a narrow fluted neck. The ware is enameled with a ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Antique Pair Of Japanese Cloisonne Goldstone Enamel Moon Flask Vases
Located in Queens, 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 Furniture
Materials
Enamel, Copper
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Brush Geometric Patterns Brush Pot GOTO
Located in Queens, NY
A Japanese Cloisonne enamel over gilt copper brush pot. Circa: late 19th century The cylindrical form pot is adorned with polychrome floral, foliage and geometric motifs made in the...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Copper, Enamel
White Chinese Cloisonné Vase
Located in San Diego, CA
A nice white with arabesque-style design Chinese cloisonné vase, circa 1960s. The vase is in very good condition with no dings or dents and measure 5...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Chinese Jade/Stone Flower Tree in Cloisonné Planter
Located in New York, NY
The wooden base shown in the pictures is not included with this lot. The stone/jade bonsai tree is in a hexagonal cloisonné planter.
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Stone, Jade, Metal, Enamel
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Serving Trays With Peacocks
Located in Queens, NY
A pair of matching antique Japanese copper serving trays with polychrome cloisonne enamel design. Meiji period, 1868 to 1912. Rectangular shape with rounded corners. Peacocks and peo...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Copper, Enamel
$4,200 Sale Price
30% Off
Set of Two Japanese Cloissoné Vases Meiji Era Dragon and Pheonix
Located in Knivsta, SE
A pair of Japanese cloisonné enamel vases. Meiji era Japan (1867-1912), a period marked by rapid transformation of Japanese traditional society into a global power. The period of gro...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Turquoise Enamel with Frogs Plate
Located in Queens, NY
An antique Japanese late Meiji era decorative enamel over copper plate or charger. The interior of the plate is adorned with a polychrome design of sparrows and frogs in blossoming f...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Copper, 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
Circa 1880-1910 Japanese Cloisonne Vase
Located in Chapel Hill, NC
Circa 1880-1910 Japanese cloisonne vase. Fine, elegant example. Silver mounted & silver wire. Marked on base rim CLOISONNE. Base of lapet reserves of dragons & phoenix birds. Floral ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Aesthetic Movement Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Silver, Enamel
Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Turquoise Silver Wire Japanese Vase with Flowers
Located in Queens, NY
A high quality Japanese, Meiji era, cloisonne enamel and silver wire vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a narrow neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of blos...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Dragon Phoenix Birds Pink And Red
Located in Queens, NY
An antique Japanese cloisonne enamel vase of baluster form, featuring a tiny neck and flared mouth. The vase is adorned with panels set against a red ground, showcasing floral motifs...
Category
19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Antique Japanese Ginbari Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in Queens, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji era Ginbari enamel vase. The ground of the vase is enameled in a turquoise shade. The vase is enameled with polychrome images of fish and blossoming sakura ...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Chinese Republic Period Cloisonne Mounted Brass Casket
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
A stylish vintage Chinese Republic period cloisonne mounted brass casket or box dating from around 1920-30. The heavily made quality casket is of rectangular shape with a hinged cove...
Category
1920s Chinese Chinese Export Vintage Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Butterfly and Cranes in Flight Vase
Located in Queens, NY
A vintage Japanese urn shaped enamel over copper vase. The exterior of the vase is adorned with hand enameled panels depicting butterflies, cranes...
Category
19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel, Copper
Antique Imperial Russian Solid Silver Gilt Cloisonne Enamel Kovsh Moscow 1908
Located in Portland, OR
A very good antique Imperial Russian silver-gilt cloisonne enamel kovsh, Moscow, circa 1908.
The kovsh of traditional shape with all over muti-color cloisonne enamel decoration, the ...
Category
Early 1900s Russian Art Nouveau Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Silver, Enamel
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Censor Koro
Located in Queens, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji Era, tripod enamel censer koro. The sphere form ware is enameled with a polychrome image of a dragon on a black ground made in the Cloisonne technique...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
A Pair Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Ormolu Bronze Mounted Vases
Located in Queens, 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 Furniture
Materials
Enamel, Bronze
Pair of Large Chinese Cloisonné Vases
Located in New York, NY
archaistic motif on yellow ground
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Rare Large Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Green Dragon Oil Lamp
Located in Queens, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period brass oil lamp. Features a vivid cloisonne enamel dragon motif set within a flower design, a distinctive characteristic of Japanese decorative arts during the era. The inclusion of three mounts for hanging suggests a functional and versatile design, allowing it to be suspended for ambient lighting. Circa the early 20th century. Antique Japanese Lamps...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel, Brass
Rare 3 Piece Set of Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Silver Wire Vases wi
Located in Queens, NY
Rare 3 Piece Set of Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Silver Wire Vases with Wisteria and Birds
antique Japanese copper vases with silver wire cloisonne...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Silver, Enamel
Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze and Cloisonné Enamel Jardinière on White Onyx Base
Located in New York, NY
Napoleon III Gilt-Bronze and Cloisonné Enamel Jardinière on White Onyx Base
This oval form jardinière is wrapped with black, white and gold cloisonné enamel, with a shield at the ...
Category
Late 19th Century Napoleon III Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Onyx, Bronze, Enamel
High Quality Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Vases
Located in Queens, NY
A pair of high quality symmetrical 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 pan...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Silver Wire Blossom Vase
Located in Queens, 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 Furniture
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Vintage Hand Made Chinese Cloisonne Vase
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Chinese Antique Cloisonné Vases is the perfect decor piece. with beautiful floral and bird design, it is a majestically hand...
Category
Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Copper
$136 Sale Price
30% Off
1920s Cloisonné Vase with Flowers and Butterflies
Located in Tarrytown, NY
1920s Cloisonné Vase with Flowers and Butterflies
Category
1920s Chinese Vintage Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Brass, Enamel
Japanese Cloisonné Foil Urn Vase
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is a cloisonné foil metal vase depicting a continuous scenes around it of three large white cranes, a volcano and some green leaves in a turquoise background. Under the base the...
Category
20th Century Japanese Japonisme Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Metal
$716 Sale Price
20% Off
Chinese Cloisonné Vase with Large Phoenix and Dragon, circa 1940s
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
1940s Chinese Cloisonné large vase. Cloisonné is an ancient technique which incorporates decorative materials like enamel, colored glass, or gemstones into metalwork objects bound by wire on metal backing. The vase features extraordinary depictions of Chinese mythological phoenix bird and a dragon in vibrant colors of red, blue, pink, and green, against a black background with gold geometric overlay. Also featured are vibrant greenery leaves and puffy clouds or floral motifs in pastel colors.
The vase has a large urn design with a bronze rim and base. The vase features a series of blue foliage along the base and has ancient Chinese geometric motifs along the top perimeter. This is an unusually tall vase and comes with a hand carved mahogany wood base. Vase Measure 26" height without the base and 29.5"H with the base. Looks amazing with or without the base. Second vase with pink dragon...
Category
1940s Chinese Chinese Export Vintage Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Multi-gemstone, Brass, Bronze, Enamel
Pair Chinese 19th C. Qing Dynasty, Cloisonne Multi-Cartouche Vases from Museum
Located in New York, NY
A Gorgeous Pair of Antique Chinese 19th Century, Qing Dynasty, Cloisonne Multi-Cartouche Blue Ground Gu Form Vases. These vases feature a surface detailed with birds, plants, and cl...
Category
19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Mid 20th Century Cloisonne Enamel Rose Vase Ando Company
By Ando Jubei
Located in Newark, England
LARGE SIZED OVOID VASE
From our Japanese collection we are pleased to offer this Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Rose Vase by the Ando Company. The vase of large ovoid form decorated wit...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Mid-Century Modern Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Two Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Eggs "Flowers" with Wood Stands #10
Located in Norton, MA
Presenting two beautiful Chinese cloisonné enamel eggs depicting flowers with wood stands, early 20th century.
Category
Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Copper
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 Furniture
Materials
Metal, Enamel
Antique Russian Cloisonné Enamel and Silver Gilt Milk Jug
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique Russian Cloisonné Enamel and Silver Gilt Milk Jug.
Details:
Maker: Unidentified (hallmarks partially worn)
Assayer: Lev Fridrikovitch...
Category
1890s Russian Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Silver, Enamel
Pair of Very Large Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Vases with French Ormolu Mounts
Located in London, GB
Pair of very large Chinese cloisonné enamel vases with French ormolu mounts
Chinese and French, 20th century
Height 215cm, diameter 78cm
These superb vases bring together exceptional Chinese enamelling with ornate French ormolu mounts, combining the complex cloisonné technique with sumptuously detailed gilt-bronze additions.
The ovoid-form vases are applied with lavish natural designs on the main body, decorated with eye-catching birds and butterflies amongst flowers and shrubbery. The animal and foliate motifs are set on top of a cream ground with intricate geometric patterning that emphasises the elaborate design of the vases. The necks of the vases are similarly decorated with birds and greenery. The necks and feet also feature ornate geometric patterns that complement the natural colour palette of the main body, adding further intricacy to the enamelled designs.
Surmounting the vases is a pierced ormolu rim, which features acanthus-style and pineapple designs which complement the foliate imagery on the vases below. Each vase is mounted on four gilt-bronze feet cast in the shape of Chinese 'Foo' winged lions, combining impressive Chinese motifs with exceptional French craftsmanship.
Cross-cultural pieces like these vases were highly popular decorative wares in late 19th century Europe; likewise, this pair effortlessly synthesise the design styles of the East and the West into monumental items with ornate and colourful designs.
Provenance: From the collection of Larry Flynt...
Category
20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel, Ormolu
Pair Of Meiji Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Butterfly Vases
Located in Queens, NY
A pair of antique Japanese cloisonne enamel vases of baluster form, each featuring a multicolor striped design enhanced with floral, foliage, and butterfly motifs. The vibrant enamel...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
High Quality Japan Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Silver Wire Vase
Located in Queens, NY
A high quality Japanese, Meiji era, Cloisonné enamel and silver wire vase. The vase has an amphora shaped body and a narrow neck. The ware is enameled with a polychrome image of blos...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel, Silver
Antique Japanese Meiji Era Cloisonne Enamel Plate
Located in Queens, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji era enamel over copper charger plate. The exterior of the plate is adorned with a polychrome scene with an eagle standing on a rock and cranes flying over w...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Large Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Censer Koro W Stand Attributed To GOTO
Located in Queens, NY
A large Japanese covered tripod enamel censer koro or incense burner. The sphere form ware is enameled with polychrome medallions representing cranes and birds in blossoming flowers ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Goldstone Enamel Trinket Box KOGO Attribu
Located in Queens, NY
Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Trinket Box KOGO Attributed to Honda
An antique Japanese copper trinket box with polychrome cloisonne enamel design.
Early Meiji period...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel, Copper
Japanese Flowers Butterfly Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in Queens, NY
A Japanese enamel over metal vase. The vase has a globular shaped body and a wide neck with a fluted mouth. The exterior of the ware is enameled with a polychrome design depicting bl...
Category
Mid-20th Century Japanese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel, Metal
$2,100 Sale Price
30% Off
Pair Of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Green Geometric Pattern Vases
Located in Queens, NY
A pair of symmetrical Japanese enamel over gilt copper vases. The exteriors of the wares are adorned with polychrome enamel floral, foliage, foliate scroll, and geometrical ornaments...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Vase in the Style of Namikawa
Located in Queens, NY
An antique Japanese early Meiji period cloisonne vase, attributed to the master artisan Namikawa Yasuyuki. Boasts a striking baluster shape adorned with phoenix birds, intricate foli...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Jardiniere Mounted In Bronze Dragons
Located in Queens, NY
An antique Japanese decorative cloisonne enamel vase with a gilt bronze base and handles. It has a rounded, bowl like shape of a blue color with floral and swirl patterns, adorned wi...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Japanese Early Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Lidded Jar
Located in Queens, 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 Furniture
Materials
Enamel, Copper
Pair of Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Charges Plates Attributed To Hayashi
Located in Queens, NY
A pair of identical antique Japanese copper serving plates with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period, ca. 1895. Round footed pieces. Black ground color. The piece is decorated ...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Cloisonné Centerpiece, Japan, Late 19th Century
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Cloisonné centerpiece. Japan, late 19th century.
Wood pedestal: 8 cm height.
Centerpiece without wood pedestal: 30 cm height.
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Anglo-Japanese Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze picture frame. France, late 19th century.
Located in Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires
Enamel cloissoné and gilt bronze picture frame. France, late 19th century.
Category
Late 19th Century French Rococo Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Bronze, Enamel
Antique Japanese Folding Chamber Screen / Paravent 20th century Japan Cranes
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
A super nice Meiji period 19th c Japanese Chamber Screen. Also usuable as wall mounted screen.
Stunning piece!
Category
20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Bronze
$4,573 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique Japanese Bronze Cloisonné/Champleve Vase Urn
Located in Chicago, IL
Antique Japanese Bronze Cloisonné/Champleve Vase Urn
This Antique Japanese Bronze Cloisonné/Champleve Vase Urn showcases the timeless artistry of traditional Japanese craftsmanship...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Anglo-Japanese Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
A Large Cloisonné Enamel Vase decorated with flowers and butterflies. Meiji Era
Located in London, GB
A Very large Cloisonné Enamel Vase decorated flowers and butterflies.
Meiji period (late 19th century)
Of a tapered baluster shape worked in silver wire and decorated with vari...
Category
19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
A Pair of Chinese Cloisonne Baluster Vases, Late 19th Century
Located in ARMADALE, VIC
A Pair of Chinese Cloisonne Baluster Vases, Late 19th Century
Each of baluster form with an everted lip and trumpet neck descending to broad shoulders and a flared base, the enamelw...
Category
Late 19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Bronze
Antique Pair of Russian Silver Gilt Enamel Cloisonné Salts Spoons St. Petersburg
Located in Portland, OR
A good pair of antique Russian Imperial silver-gilt & cloisonné enamel salts and spoons, St. Petersburg, circa 1908.
The salts of circular form and are finely decorated with multi-c...
Category
Early 1900s Russian Baltic Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Silver, Enamel
Gilded Stucco and Cloisonné Mirror, 20th Century.
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Gilded stucco and cloisonné mirror, 20th century.
20th century mirror, modern art, gilded stucco and cloisonné mirror.
H: 61cm, W: 61cm, D: 5cm
Category
20th Century French Modern Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Stucco
Antique Japanese Cloisonne Charger with Insects and Fall Foliage Plate Goto
Located in Queens, NY
A large antique Japanese Meiji period, 1868 to 1912, cloisonne enamel metal charger plate depicting a multicolored picture of vines and grapes with...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Copper, Enamel
$2,000 Sale Price
50% Off
Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Porcelain Vase W Handles
Located in Queens, 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 Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Large Pair of Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases Birds of Paradise
Located in Queens, NY
A pair of matching Japanese vases featuring the globular body rising from a short spreading foot to a tall slender neck with flaring rim, decorated in variously coloured cloisonne en...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Pink Jar With Dragons And Phoenix Birds
Located in Queens, NY
A fine quality antique Japanese cloisonne enamel lidded jar from the Meiji period, standing on a foot and featuring a lush decor with mythical animals and floral motifs on a pink bac...
Category
Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Enamel
Large Pair Of Japanese Cloisonne Gold Stone Enamel Bamboo Tree Vases Attributed
Located in Queens, NY
A pair of Japanese enamel over copper vases. Each vase has an urn shaped body and a wide neck. Each ware is enameled with polychrome medallions depicting a bird seated on a branch, b...
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Furniture
Materials
Copper, 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.