Antique Chinese Plique-à-Jour Enamel Bud Vases - a Pair

Description

A pair of petite Chinese Plique-à-Jour enamel (translucent enamel) vases with exquisite all-over enamel decoration and gilt on brass top, … more A pair of petite Chinese Plique-à-Jour enamel (translucent enamel) vases with exquisite all-over enamel decoration and gilt on brass top, mid and bottom rims.

Plique-à-jour is a challenging enameling technique that involves creating small compartments, or "cells", filled with colored enamels to create a design that lets light through. The name comes from the French phrase plique-à-jour, which means "letting in daylight".

The plique-à-jour technique originated in the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century AD. It was revived in the 16th century by goldsmith Benvenuto Cellini. The technique was rediscovered in France around 1900 and was popular during the Art Nouveau period.

CIRCA: 1920's

MAKER'S MARK: Red lotus blossom on bottom.

CONDITION: Very good antique condition. Please zoom in on photos and read detailed condition notes below.

DIMENSIONS: Each vase measures 3"diameter x 3 and 5/8"high
mouth is 1 and 3/4"diameter less