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Cloissoné Vases

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Technique: Cloissoné
Large Pair of Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases Attributed to Goto
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large pair of Meiji Period Japanese cloisonne enamel vases attributed to Goto Seizaburo, 19th century. These vases were made during the Meiji period (1868-1912) in Japan and are ...
Category

20th Century Japanese Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Dragon Vase Signed
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine quality Japanese vase from the time of Emperor Meiji, 1868 to 1912. Of a baluster form with slightly lobed shoulders, the body is adorned with a finely detailed shaded cloison...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Metal

Japanese Cloisonne Vase Butterflies Black Ground 1920s-30s Manner of Ando
Located in Long Island City, NY
A superb Japanese cloisonné enamel vase attributed to the Ando workshop, dating from the 1920s to 1930s. The vase features a striking deep black ground, beautifully contrasted by viv...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Pair Of Vintage Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Vases
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of vintage Chinese cloisonne enamel vases. Circa mid to late 20th century. The baluster vases are raised on a base and feature a lush floral and foliate pattern on an elabora...
Category

Late 20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Large Antique Japanese Meiji Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese copper vase with polychrome cloisonne enamel decor. Late Meiji period, before 1912. Baluster shape, flower brunches and birds decor against turquoise background. ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Antique Magnificent Meiji Japanese Silver And Gold Cherry Blossom Vase - Signed
Located in Long Island City, NY
Antique Meiji Japanese Silver And Gold Cherry Blossom Vase 1868-1912 - SIGNED adorned with a finely engraved sakura tree motif with granulated gol...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Silver

Early 20th-Century Chinese Cloisonné Table Lamp, Floral Motifs, Brass Accents
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Early 20th-Century Chinese Cloisonné Table Lamp, Floral Motifs, Brass Accents This exquisite early 20th-century Chinese cloisonné table lamp is a stunning example of traditional enamel craftsmanship. Adorned with intricate floral motifs in vibrant shades of light blue, deep blue, red, and green, this lamp brings elegance and a touch of exotic charm to any interior. Its aged brass base and top further enhance its authenticity and refined character. Note: An electrical plug adapter for U.S. outlets is included. Lampshade not provided. Cloisonné Enamel Work: The lamp showcases classic Chinese cloisonné craftsmanship, with delicate floral designs set against a richly colored enamel background. Color Palette: The harmonious blend of blue hues, red, and green creates a visually striking piece, perfect for adding warmth and personality to any space. Brass Accents: The aged brass base and top feature a beautiful patina, adding to the lamp’s antique charm and timeless appeal. Versatile Elegance: Whether placed in a modern, traditional, or eclectic setting, this lamp enhances its surroundings with a touch of history and cultural artistry. Decorative and Functional: Beyond its decorative value, the lamp provides a soft, ambient glow, making it ideal for bedside tables, living rooms, or study areas. This early 20th-century Chinese cloisonné lamp is more than just a lighting fixture—it is a statement piece that brings heritage, artistry, and vibrant color into any home. A rare find for collectors and interior design enthusiasts alike. Chinese cloisonné lamp, early 20th-century enamel lamp, antique Chinese lighting, floral enamel table lamp, vintage brass and cloisonné decor, colorful Asian lamp, traditional Chinese craftsmanship, decorative cloisonné lighting.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Brass

Rare Large Pair of Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Lobbed Vases with Dra
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of rare antique Japanese, early Meiji era, enamel over gilt copper vases. Each vase has a lobbed shape. The exteriors of the wares are adorned with polychrome enamel panels an...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Large Chinese Dragon Cloisonne Enamel Over Brass Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large Chinese enamel over brass vase. The urn shaped vase is adorned with a polychrome enamel design of dragons surrounded by a cloud ornament on the white ground made in the Clois...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Meiji Period Cloisonne Bulbous Cabinet Vase
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Cabinet Vase, circa 1880 A finely detailed Japanese Meiji period cloisonné cabinet vase, dating to the late 1...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Copper

Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Silver Wire Dragon Vase Signed
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large antique Japanese copper vase with cloisonne enamel design. Late Meiji period, circa 1890 Golden Age . Elongated shape with pronounced neck. Dragon motif against the dark blue...
Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Antique Meiji Period Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase with Geometric Patterns Gard
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese Meiji period cloisonne vase featuring intricate foliage motifs complemented by two exquisite floral panels. The meticulous craftsmanship in depicting foliage patt...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Turquoise Dragon Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese late Meiji era vase of a baluster shape with a narrow fluted neck. The metal vase is adorned with a polychrome image of a dragon made in the Cloisonne technique o...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Pair of Large 19th Century Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Blue Ground Enamel Vases Cra
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large pair of Japanese Meiji Period Blue-Ground Cloisonne enamel vases, 19th century. Very nice quality, with cloisonne enamel throughout, depicting cranes, flowers and blossoms wi...
Category

Late 19th Century Unknown Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Blue Enamel Silver Vase with Eagle Signed Inaba
Located in Long Island City, NY
A rare antique Japanese cloisonné enamel silver mounted and silver wire vase Late Meiji period circa 1895 . Elongated shape with pronounced neck. Cobalt blue ground color. The obvers...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Large Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Red Crane Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large antique Japanese copper vase with translucent cloisonne enamel design. 1890 Meiji era, . Elongated shape with pronounced neck. The piece is decorated with a stork bird motif ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase with Flying Cranes Hayashi School
Located in Long Island City, NY
Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase with Flying Cranes Hayashi School An antique Japanese, late Meiji period, enamel . The vase has a sphere shaped body and a wide fluted n...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Brass

Antique Golden Age Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Chrysanthemums And Sparrows Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji era, footed enamel over copper vase in the Hayashi Tanigoro manner, c.1895 to 1935, a Japanese artist. The urn shaped vase is enameled with a polyc...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Pair Of Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases Kyoto School
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of Japanese cloisonne enameled brass vases. They feature a narrow neck, rounded body, and are decorated with an intricate pattern of floral designs in various colors, and gilt...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Wisteria Ice Blue Ground 7 in Antique Meiji Era
Located in Long Island City, NY
A beautiful antique Japanese cloisonné enamel vase measuring 7 inches tall. The vase features cascading wisteria blossoms in shades of purple and lavender with delicate green leaves,...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Signed Ando Jubei Japanese Cloisonné Vase Cream Yellow with Roses 7.5"
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 Vases

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Antique Japanese Meiji Ginbari Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese, late Meiji era, Ginbari enamel over copper vase. The globular shaped vase is enameled with a polychrome image of blossoming Bluebells flowers on the light blue g...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Pair of Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vases with Kirin, Tiger, Dragon and Phoenix M
Located in Long Island City, NY
A superb pair of Japanese cloisonné vases from the Meiji period, each finely worked in silver wire and rising 12 inches high. The four-paneled design alternates between mythologica...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Pair 19th Century Cloisonné Vases
Located in Houston, TX
Pair of 19th Century bronze cloisonné vases. These baluster form vessels feature an enameled body with all-over polychrome foliage motifs on a turquoise ground, with two dragon handl...
Category

19th Century Chinese Qing Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Metal, Enamel, Bronze

Mid Century Black Cloisonne Ginger Jar
Located in New York, NY
Chinese Export Mid Century Black cloisonne ginger jar featuring large scale chrysanthemum flower. Hand Made.
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Brass

Antique Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Early Meiji Namikawa School Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese early Meiji period cloisonne vase, attributed to the renowned artist Namikawa Yasuyuki. Adorned with intricate floral motifs, delicate butterflies, and exquisite ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Antique Mixed Metal Japanese Vase Bronze, Japan, 19th/20th Century
Located in Amsterdam, Noord Holland
Interesting and finely made mixed metal shibuichi vase. Very cool. Additional information: Material: Bronze & Cloisonne Region of Origin: Japan Period: 19th century Japan Dynasty Pe...
Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Bronze

A Monumental Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase, Attributed to Hayashi Kodenji
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Monumental Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase, Attributed to Hayashi Kodenji   “A Meiji Masterpiece”   Behold the epitome of Meiji-era craftsmanship with this monumental silver wire Ja...
Category

19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Turquoise Enamel Japanese Garden Vase Silver Wire
Located in Long Island City, NY
A high quality Japanese, late Meiji era, silver wire and enamel vase. The amphora shaped vase is adorned with polychrome enamel images of birds, trees, blossoming flowers, and screen...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Silver

Large Antique Early Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Lotus Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large antique Japanese early Meiji period vase attributed to Namikawa Yasuyuki, a prominent cloisonne artist of the time. Showcases the highly regarded craftsmanship and intricate ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Exquisite Japanese Wireless Cloisonné Dragon Motif Vase, Meiji / Taisho Period
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Japanese Wireless Cloisonné Enamel Vase, likely from the Meiji period (1868–1912) or possibly the early Taisho period (1912–1926). The vase features a dynamic depiction of a Japanese...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Meiji Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Copper

Antique Chinese Black Cloisonné Table Lamp with Floral Motif, China, circa 1890
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
Offered is a stunning, 19th century cloisonné table lamp with a floral and bird motif. Rested upon decorative wooden stand. US PLUG ADAPTATOR WILL BE FURNISHED FOR FREE TO THE US BU...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Chinese Export Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Brass

Exquisite Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Silver Wire Vase Irises on Karakusa
Located in Long Island City, NY
This exquisite Japanese Meiji cloisonné vase showcases delicate white and blue irises worked in fine silver wire against a shimmering karakusa gro...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Meiji Era Dragon and Phoenix Bird Goldstone Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large antique Japanese Meiji era enamel over brass vase. The amphora shaped vase is enameled with polychrome medallions with a Phoenix bird and a dragon surrounded by floral, and f...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

20th Century Antique Chinese Cloisonne Vase
Located in Pomona, CA
This magnificent Chinese Antique Cloisonne vase was hand made from gold copper with cloisonne. It has detailed cloisonne works of Crane, Pine...
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Copper

Antique Miniature Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Celadon Color Vase with Butterflies
Located in Long Island City, NY
A miniature Japanese Meiji period vase, 1868 to 1912. The globular vase slightly tapering to the bottom decorated in polychrome enamels and copper wi...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Turquoise Enamel Crane Vase Signed OTA
Located in Long Island City, NY
A fine antique Japanese enamel brass vase featuring an elongated body with rounded shoulders and wide short neck. The surface is skillfully decorated with a polychrome cloisonne enam...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Sarreguemines Majolica Jardiniere in the Japonisme Style, 1880-1890
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
A gorgeous turquoise blue Majolica jardiniere made by the French manufactory Sarreguemines circa 1880-1890. The jardiniere is decorated in the eclectic Japonisme-style with beautifully hand-painted birds among pine branches, faux cloisonne...
Category

Late 19th Century French Japonisme Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Faience, Majolica, Pottery

Japanese Large Cloisonné Vase, Ca. 1900/1910
Located in New York, NY
Japanese Large Cloisonné Vase in Midnight Blue w/ Flowers and Birds, Ca. 1900/1910 DIMENSIONS: Height: 46 inches Diameter: 51.5 inches ABOUT This exquisite vase is a remarkable te...
Category

Early 1900s Japanese Japonisme Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Metal

Extra Large Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Pink Vase Gonda
Located in Long Island City, NY
An extra large antique, late Meiji era, Japanese copper and enamel vase by Gonda Hirosuke, Japanese, 1865 to 1937. A sphere shaped body is covered with ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel, Copper

Two Small Japanese Cloisonne Dragon Vases, Early 20th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
Two charming, small Japanese cloisonné dragon vases, Meiji to Taisho period, early 20th century, Japan. The miniature vases of baluster f...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel, Foil

Pair of Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Miniature Vases Birds in Cherry
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of antique Japanese, late Meiji period, silver wire enamel vases. Each vase has an amphora shaped body and a fluted neck. The wares are enameled with a polychrome image of a p...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

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 Vases

Materials

Metal, Silver, Enamel

Large Japanese Cloisonne Lavender Purple Enamel Paulownia and Phoenix Bird Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A rare large antique Japanese, Meiji era, enamel over copper vase. The vase has a globular shaped body and a long narrow neck with a fluted mouth. The exterior of the vase is enamele...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Copper, Enamel

Pair of Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Turquoise Enamel Silver Birds In Bamboo Vases
Located in Long Island City, NY
A pair of identical antique Japanese, late Meiji era, Silver wire enamel vases. Each vase has an urn shaped body and a wide fluted neck. Each vase is enameled with polychrome images ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Early 19th Century Cloisonné Vase, China
Located in Epfach, DE
Beautiful cloisonné vase made in the beginning of the early 19th century in China.
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Chinese Black Enamel Cloisonné Chrysanthemum Flower Vase
Located in New York, NY
Chinese black enamel cloisonné and brass ginger jar vase with chrysanthemum flowers, dogwood flowers and a butterfly and beautiful rich colors. Hand crafted on solid brass.
Category

20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Massive Chinese Cloisonne Bulbous Vase
Located in San Diego, CA
A spectacular massive Chinese cloisonne vase, circa early 1900s. The vase has a bulbous baluster form with lobed sides decorated with foliage and flowers amongst a black geometric pa...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase with Gourd Floral Bowl, in the Manner of Gotō
Located in Long Island City, NY
An exquisite Japanese cloisonné enamel vase of cylindrical form, worked in the manner of Gotō Seizaburō, dating to the Meiji period. One side shows a finely rendered gourd hanging ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Antique Meiji Japanese Cloisonne Geometric Floral Fruit Vase Attributed To GOTO
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese cloisonne vase from the Meiji period featuring an elegant form with high shoulders and a deep saturated blue color enamel. Decorated with floral and foliate with ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

1950s Pair Of Chinese Hand Made Cloisonné Enamel Vases On Carved Hardwood Stands
Located in Germantown, MD
A 1950s Pair Of Hand Made Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Vases On Hardwood Stands in mint condition. Come with original box. No imperfections whatsoever. Measure 5" in diameter and stand 1...
Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Brass

Antique Meiji Silver Wire Japanese Cloisonne Vase with Eagle and Dragon over Wav
Located in Long Island City, NY
An antique Japanese Cloisonne Meiji Golden Age Period high quality silver wire Attributed to Hattori The vase is of an ovoid form tapering to the bottom and featuring a short everted...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Antique Large Japanese Wire Cloisonné Enamel Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
Antique large Japanese vase of elongated shape. Late Meiji period, 1868-1913. The piece is decorated with silver wire cloisonne enamel boughs of wisteria flowers and birds against a ...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Japanese Cloisonne Enamel Vase Speckled Blue Ground Butterflies Floral Motifs
Located in Long Island City, NY
Elegant Japanese cloisonné enamel vase measuring 9½ inches tall, featuring a deep speckled blue ground with a flowing ribbon design in rich red, turquoise, and cream. At the center, ...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Japanese Taisho Era Inaba Cloisonne Enamel Vase
Located in Long Island City, NY
A Japanese Taisho Period, 1912 to 1926, cloisonne enamel vase featuring a glossy dark blue ground and decorated with traditional polychrome pattern dep...
Category

Early 20th Century Japanese Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Large Chinese cloisonné enamel vase w wave pattern
Located in Long Island City, NY
A large Chinese cloisonne enamel vase adorned with a blue, gray, and white geometric design. The vase has a narrow neck and a flared opening with a gilt interior. There are small cur...
Category

Late 19th Century Chinese Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Enamel

Chinese Blue Cloisonne Floral Enameled Vase 20thC
Located in Big Flats, NY
Chinese Blue Cloisonne Floral Enameled Vase 20thC. Measures- 9.25"H x 5"W x 5"D. A beautifully crafted Chinese cloisonné vase from the 20th century, featuring intricate floral ...
Category

20th Century Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Metal

Large Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonné Enamel Vase with a Stand
Located in London, GB
Large Japanese Meiji period cloisonné enamel vase with a stand Japanese, Late 19th Century Vase: Height 155cm, diameter 70cm Base: Height 45cm, width 51cm, depth 51cm Total: Height 2...
Category

Late 19th Century Japanese Meiji Antique Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Metal, Enamel

Japanese Cloisonné Enamel Vase by Ando Company, Showa Period
Located in Newark, England
Striking Blue Cloisonne Enamel Vase From our Japanese collection, we’re pleased to offer this cloisonné enamel vase by the Ando Company, dating to the late Showa period, circa 1945....
Category

Mid-20th Century Japanese Showa Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Silver, Enamel

Vintage Tall Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Vase Fighting Dragons Flaming Pearl
Located in Hyattsville, MD
Magnificent hand-crafted Chinese Cloisonné vase, very tall with facing Dragons, from a time capsule estate in Washington D.C. 14 1/2 Inches tall and so highly detailed it is sure to...
Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Cloissoné Vases

Materials

Copper

Find Exquisite Antique Cloisonné Vases for Sale on 1stDibs

As ceramic vases and other types of decorative vessels are gaining popularity again — the personalization of handmade craftsmanship has served as a sort of anti-Internet to screen-weary designers — antique cloissonné vases can help introduce interesting colors and patterns to your space.

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, enamel is one of the most dynamic, and alluring, mediums in the world. And cloisonné vases, bowls, lamps and other objects and vessels ornamented with lustrous enamel can truly liven your home.

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 antique cloisonné vases and other cloisonné objects for sale on 1stDibs.

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