The Antique Marks Blog

We come across a large amount of cloisonne ware at the antiques auctions we visit. We’ve even bought and sold some, but, it’s probably the most handled and least understood item potential buyers show interest in.

You overhear a large number of buyers speak of it as though its ceramic and a lot more pick it up and state categorically, ‘modern’ and put it straight back on the table.

Cloisonné was first developed in the Near East. It spread to the Byzantine Empire and from there along the Silk Road to China.

Chinese cloisonné is probably the most well known and is sometimes confused with Canton enamel, a similar type of enamel work that is painted, freehand, and doesn’t use partitions to separate the colors.

This (47cm) high Qianlong treasure was found standing in a fireside, being used as a container for fire irons.

Sold recently by UK auctioneers Potbury’s it was initially catalogued as 19th century, but specialists who viewed it eventually recognised it as a rare survivor from the reign of the emperor Qianlong (1735-1795).

During the auction fierce bidding between a London dealer, in the room, and one of seven bidders on the phone ended with the London Asian specialist winning the bidding contest at £31,000 plus 14% premium.

However, Chinese Cloisonne ware isn’t the only collectable or desirable form of cloisonne. Russian cloisonné from the Tsarist era is also highly prized by collectors.

This unusual Russian silver & shaded enamel tazza by Ivan Saltykov, was manufactured in Moscow before 1896. It measures just 5″ (12.75 cm) across and is approximately 4″ (10.2 cm) tall.

The top surface is decorated in scrolling enamel floral patterns against gilt grounds, bordered with turquoise pellets.

The outer lip shows reticulated openwork decorated with similar shaded enamel work. 

It bears relevant marks to the underside, weighs 8.14 oz (231 grams) and is currently being offered for sale at $14.000.

So, although cloisonne is still being made and there are loads of modern pieces around, if you take the time to learn to recognise the antique from the modern, then there are excellent pieces out there for you to discover.

Cloisonne popularity is growing but it is still a profitable niche for collectors.