Cloisonné Enamel Box with Lotus and Ruyi Motifs

The domed form of this cloisonné enamel box is set against a vibrant turquoise ground, ornamented with lotus blossoms and scrolling ruyi motifs. The lotus, a longstanding emblem of purity and spiritual transcendence in Chinese iconography, is rendered in rich polychrome enamels, framed by the precise copper wirework characteristic of the cloisonné technique. Intertwined ruyi scrolls, symbolizing authority and auspiciousness, envelop the floral forms. The interior mirrors this arrangement, echoing the harmonious interplay of floral and geometric elements. Cloisonné, a technique perfected over centuries, involves the application of enamel into cells created by fine metal wires, producing intricate and durable decoration.

Period: Mid 20th Century
Material: Cloisonné enamel on copper
Inclusions: Wood base

Dimensions
Height: 22 cm or 8.6 (inches)
Base Width: 12 cm or 4.7 (inches)