Antique Chinese Cloisonné Lidded Jar Late Qing c1880 Floral Enamel 8cm

A beautiful antique Chinese cloisonné enamel miniature covered jar, believed to date from the late Qing Dynasty, circa 1880–1900.

This charming little piece is exceptionally decorative for its size, with intricate hand-worked cloisonné wirework and a wonderfully rich palette of deep cobalt blue, turquoise, green, russet red, yellow, pink and white.

The rounded body is divided into colourful shaped reserves surrounded by delicate floral sprays, blossoms and scrolling wire decoration. Further geometric and scalloped enamel borders decorate the neck, lid and foot, creating an unusually detailed composition on such a small vessel.

The dark grounds, dense scrolling cloisons, floral decoration and overall construction are characteristic of Chinese cloisonné work of the late Qing period.

The removable domed lid continues the enamel decoration. There is an opening at the centre of the lid where a small finial or fitting appears originally to have been attached. The finial is no longer present.

Measurements:
Approximately 8cm tall × 7.5cm diameter at widest point.

Condition:
Good antique condition overall considering its age. There is age-related wear, tarnishing and patination to the exposed metalwork, together with small surface marks, enamel wear and imperfections associated with an antique cloisonné piece. The original lid finial/fitting is missing, leaving a small central opening. Please examine all photographs carefully as these form an important part of the condition description.

A particularly appealing miniature example of antique Chinese cloisonné, with wonderful colour, intricate wirework and plenty of late Qing character. An attractive addition to a collection of Chinese antiques, Asian decorative arts or early cloisonné enamel.

Dating note: The piece is believed to be late Qing, circa 1880–1900, based upon its construction, decoration and stylistic characteristics. As the piece is unmarked and has no documented provenance, the dating should be regarded as an informed attribution rather than a definitive date.