Chinese cloisonné, a technique for decorating metal objects, dates back to the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368) and reached its peak during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. This art form involves soldering fine metal wires to the surface of an object to create compartments, which are then filled with enamel. Black enamel, in particular, has been used since the early days of Chinese cloisonné to create contrast and highlight other colors. The meticulous craftsmanship and vibrant designs have made Chinese cloisonné highly prized both historically and in modern times.
This 19th century is a very nice addition to any collection. It is decorated in a theme that was very common on Chinese cloisonne and porcelain. Two opposing dragons facing a flaming pearl is a classic motif. The cloud background is created using individual cloisons to form the clouds. The vase is approximately 9.5 inches tall.
There are two small areas of damage to the enamel. They are not apparent under casual inspection allowing the vase to present very well. The damaged enamel is visible in the pictures.
