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Dear Forum
I just purchased my first cloisonne and was hoping some of you could share your views.

I notice that this wine ewer has red as a base color, while I think the base color of cloisonnes is more commonly blue. Does the odd red color make it "less valuable"?

Also, the ewer shows an animal with a dragon head and a cow body. I have never seen this combination before and am not sure what it symbolizes.

Many thanks for your help.

Anbai

Color of background not important if the enamels are pure in hue (not muddy), well applied within the cloisons, meticulously polished to bring out the jewel-like colors of the enamel.

Can see from your photo that surface is rough, decoration not high quality. Probably made 1930s or later.

Do not use for wine, both the base brass and enamel probably have lead.

For animal, do web search for kylin and kilin. Can not see it in your photos.

Good luck,
Cal

Cal,
Many thanks for this and "kilin" was spot on.

I'd be interested to learn what the clues are that are pointing you to the production date of 1930 or later. Is it the shape of the ewer or rather the decoration quality or something else?

Best regards

Anbai

The general shape of the ewer is a centuries-old one.

Dating 1930s-later surmised from muddy colors of enamels and poor finishing. Could have been made during Japanese occupation. Present Chinese enamel work can be much finer in quality.

If you visit museums you can see really nice examples of cloisonn� work, both Chinese and Japanese. General guides to Chinese and East Asian 'antiques' also usually picture a few examples.

Good luck,
Cal

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