Vintage Chinese Cloisonné and Brass Set With Small Round Dish and Matchbox Cover- 2 Pieces

Details

Description

If you like butterflies, you’ll love this trinket dish and matchbox cover set, where each piece depicts a delicate multi-colored … Read more If you like butterflies, you’ll love this trinket dish and matchbox cover set, where each piece depicts a delicate multi-colored butterfly on a turquoise background. The level of detail in the butterflies is remarkable! While the turquoise backgrounds on the top of the dish and both sides of the matchbox cover are adorned with small scallops, the underside of the dish delights with a floral pattern. These pieces are believed to be made in the early to mid-20th century in China. While the dish may have been intended to be used as an ashtray, our grandmother used it as a catch-all on her dresser table. The matchbox cover was kept on the fireplace mantel. The minor amount of pitting seen is typical for cloisonné items, and a few small nicks and some tarnish are noted that are consistent for items of this age (please see pictures).

Cloisonné is a technique that has been used for ages to decorate metal objects. Thin metal wires (cloisons) are soldered onto the surface of the item, which creates compartments. The compartments are then filled with colored enamel pastes, with the item then fired in a kiln. After firings are completed, the piece is sanded and polished to reveal the intricate wire pattern underneath.

Dimensions:
Trinket dish: 3-3/4” W x 3-3/4”D x 5/8”H
Matchbox cover: 1-5/8”W x 1-3/8”D x 7/8”H
Weight both pieces together: 5 ounces (142 grams) See less