STUDY #1 - CHINESE MILLE-FLEUR MOTIFS - Copyright 2009
Selecting one of the most interesting
cloisonne enamel motifs; usually Chinese, that have been in use since the Qing dynasty era (1850-1890), to this day or, the
beginning of the 21st century.
MILLE-FLEURS (also
called millefleur or millefiori or thousand flowers)
First, I am starting with the gorgeous background of my main cloisonne website. A close-up of the center
of this tray.
It is an antique 'mille-fleurs'
motif tray, dense and finely detailed, thousand-flower cloisonne, favored by the Chinese; but also defined by several Japanese
versions. This motif was originally found on early 19th century Qing dynasty export porcelain. It was also popular with the
Victorian European market goods.
At
it's best, the Chinese version is anchored by one central flower, and completely surrounded with blooms of every kind,
and every color; with each representation unique; done at a different angle and size; with absolutely no background showing
through.
This large tray, was sold
at auction in 2008 for $800.00US. the owner acquired it from the famous Charlotte Hortsman antique shop in Hong Kong.
Following are examples of a hand painted Chinese Qing porcelain
plate, with a close-up of a Chinese porcelain lidded jar; with similar mille-fleur motifs, and design.
Next we have a Japanese cloisonne bowl; dating from 1890 or so, a pair of plique-a-jour cloisonne vases, 1910; and a
charger, 1920, all referred to as 'mille-fleurs'.
We include another Japanese cloisonne piece,
also with 'mille-fleurs' motif and pattern; with many similarities to the first Chinese tray. See the close-up of
the base, that definitely identifies it as Japanese. Note the pale blue ground peeking through the flowers in this instance.
Then we have some more Chinese export
utilitarian articles; such as this complete Chinese cloisonne desk set, a tiny three inch box, and a teapot.
........
These date early 20th century, 1900 to 1920;
still of good quality, with a little less refinement. With a tobacco set and large desk box from the same period, following.
.....
We also find more Chinese decorative
items; dating 1930 to 1950. Note the change in detail and workmanship; with larger flowers, cruder enamelled colors;
with background enamel showing.
I should add here the popular Japanese
mille-fleurs cloisonne products; produced from 1910 to 1980.
Following are my most recent
examples of this cloisonne pattern; including some close-ups. These vintage Chinese pieces date from 1960 to 1990.
The rounded upper collar
rim on these vases dates them from 1970 onward.
There is one more related group of
Chinese cloisonne items; these are machine-made, dating from 1980 to today. They are still sold in China as we speak; see
the Jingfa.com site. Called mille-fleurs, but are monochrome
(one color), with variations in tone; using some semi-translucent enamels, that you will find in brown, green and blue
mostly.
.
..
..
A fascinating pictorial progression; of
one type of Chinese export cloisonne motif, spanning over 100 years. As
you can judge for yourself; what started out as a complex beautiful cloisonne pattern, became less so, then completely different
in time; mass produced and of much less value.
