Lot 10

AN UNUSUAL SMALL CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL DISH, MING DYNASTY (1368-1644)

Previous image preload Next image preload

AN UNUSUAL SMALL CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL DISH, MING DYNASTY (1368-1644)

Estimate: £1,000 - £1,500

Starting Bid: £800

(0 Bids)

June 18, 2026 1:00 PM BST
Live Auction
London, United Kingdom

Description:

AN UNUSUAL SMALL CLOISONNÉ ENAMEL DISH, MING DYNASTY (1368-1644) The small dish is worked in cloisonné enamel, of shallow circular form with a broad, gently sloping well and gilt-metal rim. Its surface is dominated by a luminous turquoise-blue ground, a colour closely associated with early Chinese cloisonné enamel, against which the wire-outlined ornament is clearly articulated. The restrained scale gives the piece an intimate quality, while the broad border and central roundel create a balanced, medallion-like composition. The interior is centred by a circular panel of flowering scrolls, the blossoms picked out in blue, red and white enamel among curling green foliage. The design is enclosed by a narrow blue line, beyond which the well is left comparatively open, allowing the central decoration to sit with clarity within the form. On the reverse, the border is decorated with a continuous band of scrolling flowers and leaves, the ornament arranged in a rhythmic sequence around the outer wall. The dish was intended as a small luxury vessel, its shallow form suitable for presentation or display within an elite domestic or ritual setting. The use of gilt-metal edging defines the profile and protects the enamelled surface, while the circular format allows the floral scrollwork to be read both as decoration and as a symbolically charged motif associated with abundance, continuity and cultivated taste. Cloisonné enamel reached a high level of technical and decorative refinement in China during the Ming dynasty, when objects of this type were valued for their brilliant colour, durable surface and close association with courtly and devotional environments. The turquoise ground, scrolling floral ornament and clear compartmentalised structure are characteristic features of Ming enamel work, combining decorative richness with a disciplined formal arrangement. This unusual small dish is a refined Ming cloisonné enamel object, distinguished by its compact form, clear floral design and the quiet strength of its turquoise ground. Diameter: 19.5 cm

Accepted Forms of Payment:

MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We have our own specialist packing and international shipping service and are happy to arrange this for you, we will add a postage and packing quote to your sales invoice. We also offer a door to door courier service to take the stress out of receiving delicate or expensive items.

If you are arranging your own professional delivery, please ensure that the lot has been paid for and the transport company has full details of the items being collected and an appointment has been booked. We work strictly on an appointment basis for dispatching goods.

If you choose to use our services we will ensure goods that have left the auction premises are in perfect condition, by choosing our in house professional packaging services you agree to our terms and conditions and do not hold us accountable for any damages or loss of items in transit. You will be provided with a tracking number and all our packages sent out will require a signature upon delivery. We do not insure goods dispatched unless asked to do so, which will incur additional charges added to your invoice upon request.

We thank you for using our specialist packing & shipping service and hope to continue to do business with you in the near future.

PLAKAS

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 31% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
£0 £99 £5
£100 £199 £10
£200 £499 £20
£500 £999 £50
£1,000 £1,999 £100
£2,000 £4,999 £200
£5,000 £9,999 £500
£10,000 £19,999 £1,000
£20,000 £49,999 £2,000
£50,000 £99,999 £5,000
£100,000 £199,999 £10,000
£200,000 £499,999 £20,000
£500,000 £999,999 £50,000
£1,000,000 + £100,000