{"product_id":"canton-enamel-tea-caddy-republic-period","title":"Chinese Canton Enamel Covered Jar, Late Qing to Early Republic, c. 1900–1930","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCanton enamel is a fascinating example of Chinese craftsmen taking a technique that arrived through European trade and transforming it into something distinctly their own. Painted enamel on copper developed as an important decorative art in Guangzhou, where artisans used the metal body almost like a porcelain surface, building up colour with fine brushes before firing the piece in a kiln.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe skill lies in that painted surface. Unlike cloisonné, where wires create compartments for the enamel, Canton enamel depends on the painter’s control of line, colour and firing. The copper body is thin, the enamel layers are delicate, and even a small object like this required considerable precision. The flowers and butterflies are painted with a looseness that gives the decoration life, but there is still a great deal of control behind it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe imagery is also very much part of the Chinese decorative tradition. Butterflies and flowers were commonly used as auspicious motifs, associated with happiness, longevity, prosperity and a flourishing life. Here they sit against a rich turquoise ground, a colour that became especially popular on enamel wares made for the export market.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe jar measures approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e7.7 cm high by 8 cm in diameter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The interior and underside are also enamelled, with the exposed rims showing the underlying copper construction. It is in very good condition overall, with gentle age-related wear and patination to the metal rims, but \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eno enamel loss, except to base.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollector’s note:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The worn red \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“CHINA”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e mark on the base confirms that the piece was made for export, although the mark itself should not be treated as an exact dating tool. Taking it together with the construction, palette and style of painting, I would date the jar to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecirca 1900–1930\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, around the transition from the late Qing dynasty into the early Republic period.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat makes this piece appealing is not its grand scale, but the amount of traditional handwork concentrated into such a small object. It is a modest export piece, but a very accomplished one.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eclectic Design ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62896114073759,"sku":null,"price":120.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1929\/9493\/files\/IMG_4889.png?v=1792833193","url":"https:\/\/eclecticdesignlondon.com\/products\/canton-enamel-tea-caddy-republic-period","provider":"Eclectic Design ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}