Antique Chinese Cloisonné Covered Box Republic Period c1912-1935 Lotus Copper Enamel Box

A beautiful antique Chinese cloisonné covered box dating to the Republic period, circa 1912-1935, decorated with an elegant lotus pond design against a rich cobalt blue ground.

Unlike the more commonly encountered later floral cloisonné boxes, this example depicts a complete lotus composition featuring mature lotus leaves, seed pods, flower buds and blossoms set against a stylised zigzag ground representing rippling water. The decoration flows continuously around the entire box, creating a carefully balanced and highly decorative design.

Traditionally constructed with a copper body, the box is completely non-magnetic and features a fully enamelled turquoise interior with a traditional friction-fit lid. Careful examination under magnification and natural daylight reveals numerous characteristics associated with earlier hand-crafted cloisonné, including naturally settled enamel around the cloisons, tiny firing pinholes, subtle colour variation and the fine irregularities expected from repeated kiln firings.

Based on the construction, materials, enamel quality and decorative style, this piece is attributed to the Chinese Republic period (circa 1912-1935). While antique cloisonné cannot be dated with absolute certainty without documented provenance, these features are consistent with good quality early twentieth-century Chinese workmanship.

The lotus is one of the most enduring symbols in Chinese decorative art, representing purity, harmony and renewal, making this both a beautiful decorative object and an appealing collector’s piece.

Measurements

• Diameter: 8 cm

• Height: 6 cm

Condition

Good antique condition overall with age-related wear consistent with its age.

There are natural firing pits and small manufacturing imperfections within the enamel together with light surface wear and attractive mellowing to the brass.

There are also a few small enamel chips to the turquoise enamel inside the box, clearly shown in the photographs. These do not detract from the overall appearance when displayed closed and have been reflected in the asking price.

Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.

A particularly attractive and increasingly difficult-to-find example of early Chinese cloisonné with an unusual lotus pond decoration.