Antique Chinese Cloisonné Dragon Box c1900 Late Qing Enamel Trinket Box 8cm

Antique Chinese cloisonné enamel dragon box, dating to the late Qing / early Republic period, circa 1890–1920.

A particularly characterful small covered box decorated with a colourful Chinese dragon against a striking black ground filled with finely worked scrolling cloud motifs.

The dragon is picked out in yellow, turquoise blue, green, red, pink and white enamels, with wonderful expressive eyes and long white whiskers. The extensive fine wirework forming the clouds gives the black background considerable detail when viewed closely.

The underside is decorated with further turquoise blue, green and black cloisonné enamel surrounding a raised foot, while the interior is finished in a rich blue enamel.

The slightly irregular enamel surface, small pits, surface marks and wear are consistent with the considerable age and hand-crafted nature of the piece.

Approximate date: c.1890–1920
Period: Late Qing / early Republic
Origin: China
Material: Cloisonné enamel on metal
Diameter: 8 cm
Height: 5.5 cm

Condition:
Good antique condition with age-related surface wear, scratches, small pits and imperfections to the enamel. Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.

A wonderfully decorative example of antique Chinese cloisonné and an especially appealing piece for a collector of Chinese enamel, dragon imagery or Asian decorative arts.