Pair of Ginger Jars in Chinese Cloisonné Enamel with Multicolor Centofiori Decoration

Description

Title
Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Ginger Jars with Polychrome Centofiori Decoration

Description

Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Ginger Jars – Polychrome Centofiori Decoration

Refined pair of Ginger Jars with lids, made of cloisonné enamel (Jingtai Lan 景泰藍) on a copper metal core, a significant example of Chinese decorative production from the second half of the 20th century (circa 1960s–70s), executed in traditional style.

The vases feature a harmonious globular body, entirely covered by a rich Centofiori decoration (Millefiori / Bǎihuā 百花), one of the most complex and celebratory ornamental repertoires of the cloisonné tradition. The surface is animated by a dense intertwining of stylized polychrome flowers, arranged without hierarchy across the entire decorative field, creating a continuous, vibrant, and impactful visual effect.

Technique and Decorative Language

The decoration is achieved through very thin golden metallic filaments (cloisons), bent and applied manually with extreme precision to delineate each individual floral element. The extraordinary density of the threads testifies to a high level of technical skill and careful control of the subsequent enameling stages.

The colors — reds, blues, greens, yellows, whites, and turquoises — do not follow naturalistic criteria, but respond to a symbolic and ornamental balance typical of Chinese cloisonné, where decorative strength and chromatic harmony prevail over realistic botanical representation. The contrast between the brilliance of the glassy enamels and the golden filaments gives depth, brightness, and three-dimensionality to the whole.

Border Motif Articulation

• Cloud Scrolls (Yúnwén 雲紋): on the body of the vase, a continuous band of stylized scrolls surrounds the rim of the lid when it is inserted, serving as an elegant visual connector between the body and the lid.
• Fish Scale Pattern (Yúlínwén 魚鱗紋): the upper surface of the lid, immediately above the rim, is decorated with a regular fish scale pattern, achieved through a dense and precise arrangement of metallic filaments.
• Double Fish Scale Pattern (Shuāng Yúlínwén 雙魚鱗紋): at the base of the vase body, just before the brass rim, a double register of fish scales appears, serving both a decorative and structural purpose, visually closing the composition and reinforcing the base.

Internal Enamel and Finish

The interior of the vases is coated with the classic Jingtai Blue turquoise enamel, a color traditionally associated with Chinese cloisonné. The creation required numerous high-temperature firing cycles, followed by careful sanding and mirror polishing, aimed at achieving a perfectly uniform surface between enamel and metal, bright and of high visual quality.

Meaning and Period

The motif Hundred Flowers (Bǎihuā 百花) symbolizes abundance, prosperity, vitality, and good fortune, making these vases particularly suitable for a celebratory and representative decorative function.

Period:
China, second half of the 20th century (1960s–70s)
Decorative production in traditional cloisonné style

Refined pair of Ginger Jars with lids, made of cloisonné enamel (Jingtai Lan 景泰藍) on a copper metal core, a significant example of Chinese decorative production from the second half of the 20th century (circa 1960s–70s), executed in traditional style.

The vases feature a harmonious globular body, entirely covered by a rich Centofiori decoration (Millefiori / Bǎihuā 百花), one of the most complex and celebratory ornamental repertoires of the cloisonné tradition. The surface is animated by a dense intertwining of stylized polychrome flowers, arranged without hierarchy across the entire decorative field, creating a continuous, vibrant, and impactful visual effect.

Technique and Decorative Language

The decoration is achieved through very thin golden metallic filaments (cloisons), bent and applied manually with extreme precision to delineate each individual floral element. The extraordinary density of the threads testifies to a high level of technical skill and careful control of the subsequent enameling stages.

The colors — reds, blues, greens, yellows, whites, and turquoises — do not follow naturalistic criteria, but respond to a symbolic and ornamental balance typical of Chinese cloisonné, where decorative strength and chromatic harmony prevail over realistic botanical representation. The contrast between the brilliance of the glassy enamels and the golden filaments gives depth, brightness, and three-dimensionality to the whole.

Border Motif Articulation

• Cloud Scrolls (Yúnwén 雲紋): on the body of the vase, a continuous band of stylized scrolls surrounds the rim of the lid when it is inserted, serving as an elegant visual connector between the body and the lid.
• Fish Scale Pattern (Yúlínwén 魚鱗紋): the upper surface of the lid, immediately above the rim, is decorated with a regular fish scale pattern, achieved through a dense and precise arrangement of metallic filaments.
• Double Fish Scale Pattern (Shuāng Yúlínwén 雙魚鱗紋): at the base of the vase body, just before the brass rim, a double register of fish scales appears, serving both a decorative and structural purpose, visually closing the composition and reinforcing the base.

Internal Enamel and Finish

The interior of the vases is coated with the classic Jingtai Blue turquoise enamel, a color traditionally associated with Chinese cloisonné. The creation required numerous high-temperature firing cycles, followed by careful sanding and mirror polishing, aimed at achieving a perfectly uniform surface between enamel and metal, bright and of high visual quality.

Meaning and Period

The motif Hundred Flowers (Bǎihuā 百花) symbolizes abundance, prosperity, vitality, and good fortune, making these vases particularly suitable for a celebratory and representative decorative function.

Period:
China, second half of the 20th century (1960s–70s)
Decorative production in traditional cloisonné style

Technical Details
SKU: CHIN-CLO-VAS-00003
Short Description: Round Ginger Jar Made in Macao (1960s-70s) in thick porcelain with a natural white base featuring period impurities. Hand-painted floral decoration with textured paint and raised enamels. Evocative Qianlong mark and original CPC sticker. A piece of great artisanal character.
Technique: Cloisonné
Probable Period: Second half of the 20th century (circa 1960s-70s)
Material: Glazed enamel on a metal base
Colors: White, Multicolor
Height: 18.5 cm
Maximum Width: 16 cm
Diameter: 16 cm
Brand:
Vendor: mazzotta 1914
Condition: Very Good - This Antique/Vintage item shows no instrumental defects but may exhibit slight signs of use consistent with its age.
Conditions and Restoration: Light wear due to age and use, the vase is in excellent and original condition with minor scratches and wear consistent with time and use.