Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Jar
Name/Title
Chinese Cloisonne Enamel JarEntry/Object ID
ML0130Description
The selected image shows a vintage Chinese Famille Noire (or cloisonné-style enameled) metal ginger/temple jar featuring a polychrome "Precious Objects" (Bogu) motif against a black background, resting on a carved wooden base. The exposed rims around the collar and the lid show the distinct golden-bronze color of a cast brass or bronze body. The patterns are formed by thin wire cells bonded to the metal body, which are then filled with colored glass pastes and fired. The brilliant, slightly pitted turquoise/bright blue enamel coating the underside of the lid is a defining feature of Chinese cloisonné. It is applied to protect the metal from warping during the high-heat firing process. The flat top of the lid continues the Bogu (Precious Objects) theme from the body, depicting an antique vase and auspicious symbols set against a lighter turquoise background. The shoulder of the jar features a scalloped, collar-like border filled with pastel floral motifs. This mirrors traditional ruyi scepter heads, representing good fortune. The small, dark pits visible across the turquoise surfaces are typical air bubbles that burst during old firing techniques, indicating it was handcrafted. The matching turquoise background and wirework density on both the top lid and the bottom base confirm that all components belong together as a single, high-quality matching set from the original workshop. On standard Chinese cloisonné temple jars and ginger jars, the bottom is almost always a plain, flat expanse of turquoise counter-enamel, or an un-enameled solid brass plate. Having a fully detailed, decorative cloisonné scene on the base of a large vessel is exceptionally rare.This specific design layout is a signature characteristic of Chinese Export Cloisonné, specifically pieces styled as reversible or highly decorative mantel garnitures or specialty boxes popular from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century. As there are no stamped words like "CHINA" or "MADE IN CHINA" incised directly into the metal rim, it is highly likely that the piece dates to the late 19th century or very early 20th century (pre-1920s). After the 1920s, trade and export regulations forced workshops to clearly stamp the country of origin into the brass on the bottom.Type of Sculpture
Free StandingArtwork Details
Medium
Brass or BronzeCategory
Chinese Metal Art