Small antique Chinese cloisonne plate, enamels on copper. Dragon in the Dark Clouds, yellowish background. The backside is decorated with copper wire flowers.

The plate is 3.3/4" (9.8cm) across; signs of aging: a few very small enamel chips and some copper patina and wear, good / very good condition.

In Chinese mythology, dragons are believed to be able to create clouds with their breath. Dragons are associated with storm clouds and live giving rain.

Cloisonne is an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects with colored material, enamels or gemstones, held in place or separated by metal strips or wire. Chinese cloisonne is sometimes confused with Canton enamel, a type of painted enamel on copper that is more closely related to overglaze enamels on Chinese porcelain, or enameled glass. In contrast to Cloisonne, Canton enamel is painted on freehand and so does not use metal wire partitions to hold the colors separate.

Note:
Country restrictions may apply, the lesser expansive Priority or 1st Class shipping may not be available to all countries.

US: Priority (c.2-4 days) ----------- $12.50
Canada: 1st Class (c.2-8 weeks) --- $26.50
World: 1st Class (c.2-8 weeks) ---- $34.50