Pair of Chinese blue enamel cloisonne vases with gilt bronze accents. Designed with a graceful form with wide flaring rim. Decorated with polychrome enamels. Each vase is fitted with gilt brackets emulating dragon dorsal fins which separate the piece into four quadrants. Each quadrant has matching floral and entwined pattern designs, and central luck chinese symbol. Elaborate panels of traditional lotus & scrollwork designs finish the pieces. Main colors are blue, pink, red, turquoise, and white.

CIRCA: 20th Century

ORIGIN: China

DIMENSIONS: H: 12 1/4" W: 6 1/2"

pair of Chinese cloisonné enamel vases with gilt-bronze mounts, likely dating from the late 19th or early 20th century, a period often associated with the late Qing Dynasty. 

* Technique: They employ the traditional cloisonné technique, where thin metal wires (cloisons) are soldered to a metal body to form compartments, which are then filled with colored glass paste (enamel) and fired. The surface is then polished until the edges of the wires are visible and often gilded.

* Design: The vases feature a baluster form with a wide, trumpet-shaped neck and a bulbous body. They are decorated with intricate floral and bird motifs, specifically appearing to depict peonies (symbolizing riches and honor) and possibly cranes (symbolizing longevity), set against a light blue or pale green enamel ground.

* Mounts: The vases are distinguished by elaborate gilt-bronze mounts, including decorative flanges or "stylized dorsal fins of a dragon" extending up the neck and around the shoulder/mid-section, and a base with three feet in the form of Chinese Imperial lions or "foo dogs".

* Style: The use of bright, vibrant colors and extensive gilt-bronze mounts is typical of cloisonné pieces produced during the late Qing Dynasty or early 20th century for export to the West.