Antique 19th C. Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Stacking Spice Box

Details

Description

Antique 19th C. Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Stacking Spice Box

This authentic antique vessel is constructed of three interlocking cylindrical compartments … Read more Antique 19th C. Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Stacking Spice Box

This authentic antique vessel is constructed of three interlocking cylindrical compartments and a matching domed lid, all finished in vibrant cloisonné enamel over a heavy brass or bronze body. Each tier features a sky-blue background decorated with a fretwork (wan-zi) geometric pattern, symbolizing eternal longevity.

The decorative program is rich with floral symbolism:
The Tiers: Adorned with delicate, hand-applied floral sprays including cherry blossoms, lotuses, and lilies in shades of pink, white, and deep indigo.
The Domed Lid: Features a larger-scale lotus flower and lush green leaves against a contrasting white ground, accented by a rhythmic "scroll" or "cloud" pattern.
The Finial: The set is crowned with a solid, cast brass bud-shaped finial.
The interior and base are finished in a traditional cobalt blue counter-enamel, a technique used to stabilize the vessel during the firing process.

Dimensions
Height: 6.5 inches
Width: 4 inches

Condition
Good Antique Condition. This piece shows honest, attractive signs of its late 19th-century age. The enamel is remarkably intact with vibrant colors. Consistent with its antiquity, there is minor pitting in the enamel (original to the firing process), light surface oxidation to the exposed brass wire and rims, and a pleasant, aged patina to the metal.

Provenance & Style
Dating to the Late Qing Dynasty (ca. 1880–1910), stacking boxes of this type were traditionally used as scholar's objects to hold seals, pigments, or precious spices. The combination of geometric fretwork and freeform florals is a hallmark of the Chinoiserie aesthetic that captivated the global market in the late 1800s.

With its brilliant sky-blue palette and functional tiered design, this authentic 19th-century stacking box is a sophisticated desk accessory or a vibrant addition to a shelf of fine Asian antiquities. See less