Charming little Chinese yellow cloisonne enamel covered box in quatrefoil form with brass trim. Mid-20th century. The cover is decorated in vibrant polychrome enamels with the scene of a blue bird above pink and white flowers with green leaves. Brass wires from an intricate fish net pattern on the background of the cover as well as on the bottom of the box. Interior and base are covered in blue enamel. Cloisonne is an artcraft which requires great technical knowledge as well as the skill to produce an aesthetically pleasing item using a combination of vitreous enamel and metal wires. The wires are arranged in designs upon the metal body, into the compartments (“cloisons”) of which the enamels are packed. The item is then fired repeatedly to bring the enamels above the level of the wires and then buffed and polished many times. This box has an unusual and pleasing shape and wonderful color. Condition is excellent, with only some very minute pitting which is not uncommon on cloisonne pieces. Dimensions: 2” square, 1 ¼” high.
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