Antique Chinese Cloisonné Dragon Vase c.1900 Ivory Black Enamel 23cm

A striking antique Chinese cloisonné enamel vase dating to approximately c.1900 / the early 20th century, decorated with wonderfully expressive dragons amongst an intricate field of cloud scrolls.

This is an especially attractive example because of its unusual restrained palette. Rather than the brightly coloured enamels more commonly encountered on Chinese cloisonné, this vase is predominantly decorated in deep black against an aged ivory/cream ground, relieved by small pink and coloured details.

The decoration is constructed using extensive fine metal wirework. Hundreds of individual cloisons form the cloud scrolls, dragon details, flowers, borders and the finely veined lappet decoration around the shoulder. Viewed closely, the wirework becomes almost a drawing in metal.

The vase has a classic bottle form with a rounded body, tapering neck and flared mouth, finished with exposed copper/brass-toned metal rims at the mouth and foot.

Dating & Attribution

The vase is unmarked, so its attribution is based on its construction, materials, decorative vocabulary, form and comparison with documented examples.

I believe this to be Chinese cloisonné dating to approximately c.1900 / the early 20th century. Comparable ivory-ground Chinese dragon cloisonné vases of very similar form and dimensions have been attributed to around 1900.

The thin metal body, exposed metal base, separately finished rims, extensive hand-formed cloison wirework, enamel composition and traditional dragon-and-cloud decoration are all consistent with Chinese cloisonné production of this period.

A very late Qing Dynasty date is possible, although I prefer the broader and more cautious c.1900 / early 20th-century attribution rather than claiming a specific dynasty without a maker’s or reign mark.

Condition

Antique condition with age-related wear.

There are areas of historic enamel loss, including losses amongst the cloud decoration, together with smaller pits, surface marks and scratches. These areas have been photographed closely and form an important part of the condition description.

Interestingly, some of the enamel losses expose the underlying cloison construction, with the fine metal wires remaining visible.

There is general age-related wear and oxidation to the exposed metal rims.

The vase has been left unrestored and has not been aggressively cleaned or polished.

Please study all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and show the condition in detail.

Dimensions

Height: approximately 23 cm
Maximum diameter: approximately 11 cm
Weight: approximately 386 g

Summary

A particularly characterful antique Chinese cloisonné vase with an unusual ivory and black colour scheme, extensive fine wirework and wonderfully animated dragon decoration.

Its restrained palette gives it an almost monochrome quality from a distance, while close inspection reveals an extraordinary amount of detail within the individual cloisons.

A decorative and highly collectable piece of early Chinese export cloisonné, ideal for a collection of Asian art, antique enamel or Chinese decorative arts.

Please note that dating antique unmarked objects is necessarily an informed assessment rather than an absolute attribution.