Mid-20th Century Chinese Cloisonné Peony Nesting Boxes, Set of Three

Details

Description

A graduated set of three round Chinese cloisonné covered boxes, designed to nest neatly within one another and decorated with … Read more A graduated set of three round Chinese cloisonné covered boxes, designed to nest neatly within one another and decorated with flowering peony branches against a yellow ground. Blue-and-white blossoms, green foliage, reddish-brown branches and pendant blue buds are delineated by fine applied metal-wire cloisons, while a blue scalloped or lappet-type border encircles the lower portions of the boxes.

Each box is constructed from a copper or brass-alloy metal body with true cloisonné enamel decoration. The interiors and undersides of the lids are finished in vivid turquoise-blue counter-enamel, contrasting with the pale exterior grounds and warm brass or gilt-metal rims. Close examination shows the characteristic small pits, firing irregularities, tonal variations and slight unevenness within individual enamel cells associated with traditional cloisonné manufacture.

The set belongs to the Chinese export cloisonné tradition, probably associated with Beijing-style production of the mid to third quarter of the twentieth century. A working date of c.1950–1975 is supported, with c.1960–1970 particularly plausible. The maker is unidentified, and no Jingfa or Beijing Enamel Factory attribution is established. The three graduated pieces remain together as their intended nesting set.



Measurements: Largest 2 in H × 3 in W × 3 in D; Medium 1.5 in H × 2.5 in W × 2.5 in D; Smallest 1.25 in H × 2 in W × 2 in D

Weight: 13 oz combined

Style: Asian, Chinese, Traditional

Origin: China

Age: c.1950–1975 See less