Vintage Chinese Cloisonné Plate with Chrysanthemums and Butterfly

A vintage Chinese cloisonné plate, worked in the traditional way with fine metal wires laid down to outline each flower and then filled with coloured enamel and fired. The white ground carries a delicate repeating cell pattern, and across it bloom chrysanthemums in blue, soft pink, and gold, with a single butterfly poised above in red and orange. A scalloped green border and slim gilt rim finish the front, while the reverse is a lovely turquoise scattered with gold wire flowers.

Cloisonné has a long history in China, refined over centuries and prized for this kind of bright, jewel like enamel work. The chrysanthemum stands for autumn and long life, and the butterfly for joy, so the imagery is as meaningful as it is pretty. The hand craft shows in the small irregularities of the wire and colour.

It measures 21 x 2.5 cm, a good size for display. We would prop it on a plate stand, hang it on a wall, or rest it on a shelf or dresser where the enamel can catch the light. It sits beautifully alongside blue and white china, brass, or other chinoiserie, and brings colour to a mantel or console.

This one is for decorative purposes rather than the table, with some softening and light spotting to the enamel on the reverse in keeping with its age. Displayed front out it presents wonderfully.

A piece like this suits collectors of Chinese decorative arts, lovers of chinoiserie, or anyone wanting one bright handmade thing among plainer pieces. It would also make a characterful gift.