Chinese jade, carnelian, and quartz flower model in a cloisonné enamel planter

Chinese jade, carnelian, and quartz flower model in a cloisonné enamel planter
Chinese, 20th Century
Height 18cm, width 9cm, depth 9cm
 
This charming flower model combines several precious hardstone blooms with a decorative cloisonné enamel planter. The planter utilises a beautiful pale blue ground, which is decorated with a repeating gold design. The front and reverse of the planter is decorated with a delicate floral design that complements the shades of the blooms above. Gold touches can also be seen on the lip and feet, and further geometric patterning adorns the upper rim.
 
Sitting with the planter is a metal tree trunk, which has been treated with resin to resemble bark. The trunk extends into metal branches, which are wrapped with brown thread. Each branch is capped by flower petals, made from jade, rose quartz, or carnelian. These three stones symbolise strength and purity, unconditional love, and courage and healing respectively, which adds a degree of symbolic meaning to this object. The petals are centred by beaded stigmas in bright shades, which add a vivid pop of colour amongst the more muted hardstones.  As well as the petals, several nephrite leaves – etched with natural veining – hang below the blooms.
 
This exquisite model is a prime example of the beautiful objets d’art being made in China during the 20th century.