Early 20th Century Chinese Cloisonné Dragon Vases - Set of 2

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Offered is a pair of early 20th century Chinese cloisonné dragon vases. Well executed in blue with red, green and … Read more Offered is a pair of early 20th century Chinese cloisonné dragon vases. Well executed in blue with red, green and imperial yellow accents over a white ground. The two handle vases with waisted neck and globular body are decorated with banded floral decoration. The pieces feature imperial dragons, distinguished by five toes, chasing a flaming pearl amidst stylized clouds below a band of Indian Lotus scrolls around the neck. Each vase rests on a custom wooden base, carved and pierced foliate design.

Each piece measures: 5.5 D x 10.5 H inches on stand.


Theme note: Traditionally regarded as a symbol of power, prosperity and good luck, the dragon is also intimately associated with supernatural forces. The celestial dragon with the flaming pearl is the subject of one popular creation story as well as many myths where dragons are responsible for managing the weather, the clouds and the chariots that transport gods.

Historical note: Cloisonné originated in the Ming Dynasty (1450 to 1457 A.D.) when Emperor Ching Tai received a French enamel clock from the King of France. The emperor had his artisans improve on the clock's style by adding copper wire to separate the enamel colors on ornaments, vases and jars.
In this type of enameling, designs are formed by soldering wires usually copper, to a metal base so that cells (cloisons) are created. The cells are then filled with enamel pastes of the appropriate colors. The next step is firing the object in a muffle kiln. Very thin layers of enamel must be applied or they will bubble and burn (just like cheese on a pizza). After each application of enamel, the piece is fired again. Up to six layers of enamel are required for a quality cloisonné piece.
After firing, rough uneven surfaces are ground down and hand-polished. Then the wires are exposed by the polishing process and are electroplated with 24K gold, along with any other metal surfaces that have been revealed.
This pair of vases is extremely well executed and an excellent example of fine cloisonné produced by experienced artists, unlike merchandise produced quickly for the mass market. See less