A Chinese Plique-a-Jour Bowl

Period

1920-1949

Materials

enamel and copper

Dimensions

H.	1.8 in;	Diam.	4.1 in;
H.	4.57 cm;	Diam.	10.41 cm;

Condition

Good. Vintage condition with some minor rubbing and age related patina as shown.

Creation Date

20th century

Description

A small Chinese cloisonne enamel bowl made with the technique of Plique-a-jour (means "letting in daylight" in French), a challenging method similar to small scale stained windows originally developed in the Byzantine Empire in 6th century AD. Using no backing and translucent enamel, it creates small jewel like piece.
This small and nicely made bowl has a copper base and features parrots perching on the peony branches on a background of fish scale wire. The miniature compartments "cells" were filled with enamels of different colors to precisely carry out the design while letting the light through.

Styles / Movements

Asian, Cloisonné, Traditional

Incollect Reference Number

311587