1950s Chinese Cloisonné Flower Vase

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A lovely Accent piece. Unusual form on this one as during the various periods of the 20c.

The Chinese incapsulated … Read more A lovely Accent piece. Unusual form on this one as during the various periods of the 20c.

The Chinese incapsulated all styles to conform to the Western Market thus Art Deco to Modern to even Contemporary now days.

Ancient Ritual Origins: The Gu shape originates from the Shang and Zhou dynasties (approx. 1600–256 BCE), where it was crafted out of bronze as an elite ritual wine-drinking or libation vessel used for ancestor worship and state ceremonies.

Tradition and Scholar Taste: Because original bronze Gu vessels were exceedingly rare and sacred, later dynasties—particularly the Ming and Qing dynasties—revived the shape in porcelain, jade, and cloisonné metalwork. Replicating or adapting ancient ritual shapes was a way for emperors, elites, and scholars to demonstrate profound respect for antiquity (fugu), high cultural literacy, and a connection to China's dynastic golden age.

Structural Symbolism: The silhouette—featuring a broad, flared trumpet-like mouth, a slender constricted waist, and a splayed, trumpet-like foot—was traditionally viewed by Chinese scholars as balanced and harmonious, mirroring cosmic principles of heaven (the open top) and earth (the grounded base).


The cost to make Cloissone has gotten quite expensive and the quality has diminished .

This piece was made around 1940-1970 when the craftsmanship and Colors were at its height for the 20c.

Labor was not an issue and the finest craftsmanship came to work at these massive factories. Thus bringing down colored mineral powders from the Far East in traditional old school ways and then to place in the enamels in between intricately done wire work to hold the colors from running.

From a old importers collection whom was one of the first shell importers to the USA from Asia

Really a neat piece it can go with any style. See less