Chinese

THE ITEM
This intricately painted work is Cantonese Enamelware, a technique of hand-painting and firing enamel introduced to China around the18th century. Cantonese Enamelware is different from Cloisonne or 'Cloisonné' technique, which is metalwork decorated with enamel applied to sections separated by wire or thin metal.

This particular set comprises of a matchbox cover, two ashtrays and a storage tin made of copper. The set is rare as all pieces are decorated in the same design and colour palette. What is rarer is that although the pieces are in delicate condition, the wear on the decor is relatively light.

The design theme present on all pieces is the striking Lapis blue background which is overlaid with stylised peaches and peach blossom. The design is typical of the Art Deco and Art Nouveau period when design often included influences from the East. Each piece is further decorated with their own ancient familial scenes. The interior and undersides of the tin and ashtrays are decorated with a pale Turquoise blue.

CONDITION
Good. Apparent wear is present to the enamel of each piece that is commensurable with the age. Please refer to photos as they form part of the condition report.

MEASUREMENTS
- Storage Tin. Height (including lid): c. 2.2" / 5.6 cm x c. 4.1" / 10.5 cm length. Width: c. 3" / 7.5 cm.
- Matchbox Cover. Height: c. 0.9" / 2.3 cm x c. 2.3" / 5.8 cm length. Width: c. 1.6" / 4 cm.
- Ashtray. Height: c. 0.6" / 1.5 cm x c. 3.3" / 8.3 cm length. Width: c. 2.4" / 6 cm.
Unpackaged weight [full set]: c. 0.3 kg / 268 g

NOTES
Set will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

THE ITEM

This carefully detailed piece has been beautifully worked by hand to create the carving of lotus flowers and lilypads relief on both sides of the bottle. The bottle is accompanied by a small spoon that is finished with a coral glass stopper and etch-trimmed brass collar. 

Besides being a carving of great skill, this piece also served the purpose of a seal via the inscription of an 'archaic script' on its base. In ancient times, the carved seal script would be used to imprint its mark onto official documentation, paintings or works of poetry using the traditional '朱砂' or 'zhūshā'  red ink or Cinnabar paste. In recent times, the seal would have been used to mark paintings or works of poetry. 

The inside of the bottle holds traces of the Cinnabar paste as does the seal on the underside of the bottle. 

CONDITION

Very Good. There is negligible age wear that is primarily in the form of minor chips to the soapstone that commensurable with the age of the piece, please refer to photos as part of the condition report.

MEASUREMENTS

c. 3.5" / 9 cm tall (from base to stopper) x 1.8" / 4.5 cm in width (across widest point) x c. 0.9" / 2.3 cm depth. Weight: c. 0.1kg / 139 g

NOTES

Bottle will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured. Shipping will be combined for multiple items.