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Curator Pick of the MonthLabel
To celebrate the month of February, The Drexel Collection has chosen this cloisonné vase. The development of cloisonné decorated metals in China in the 14th century was largely due to the lively trade with the Islamic world and often reflects strong West Asian influences. Cloisonné is a type of enameling in which opaque powdered glass of various colors is melted onto a metal foundation – usually copper – within outlines of fine wire called “cloisons” (the French word for “cell”). In this case, the copper areas which were not covered by enamel were then gilded. The handles are 2-clawed dragons, indicating that the vase was for commoners; the aristocracy used dragons with 5 claws for their ornaments.