Asian Cloisonne Display Plate
These asian cloisonne display plate examples are vibrant metal chargers and plaques decorated with vitreous enamel wires, originating chiefly from Japanese and Chinese periods.
Asian Cloisonne Display Plate
An asian cloisonne display plate functions primarily as a decorative charger or wall plate rather than tableware. Buyers searching this phrase encounter substantial decorative plaques and trays measuring up to fifty centimetres across.
The majority of pieces visible on this page belong to the Japanese Meiji period and late Edo period, alongside select examples from the Qing dynasty. Formats include large circular chargers featuring fauna such as koi fish, dragons, owls, and phoenixes.
Objects range from deep trays to flat display plates designed to hang upon a wall or rest upon a stand. Each piece combines heavy metal foundations with intricate surface ornamentation.
How they were made
Maker workshops formed the foundation of each asian cloisonne display plate using copper, brass, or bronze as a base metal. Artisans soldered thin metal wires, known as cloisons, onto the surface to outline intricate pictorial motifs of birds, fish, and deities.
Workers filled the resulting cellular compartments with vitreous enamel paste before firing the vessel in a kiln. Repeated firings and manual polishing created a smooth, lustrous surface where metallic outlines separate distinct pools of colour.
Asian Cloisonne Display Plate Retail Price Guide 2026
Typical asking prices for asian cloisonne display plate among the pieces listed under this phrase on Sellingantiques today, from the lower quarter to the upper quarter. They describe what is for sale here now, not the wider market.
Listings feature copper, brass, and bronze foundations decorated with vitreous enamel across nineteenth century Japanese and eighteenth century Chinese periods.
What varies in quality
Quality in an asian cloisonne display plate rests upon the intricacy of the wirework and the precision of the enamel filling. Finer examples display exceptionally delicate cloisons forming complex feathers, scales, and backgrounds without noticeable pitting.
The ambition of the subject matter also divides standard production from masterworks. Large scale compositions depicting leaping koi, dragons, or Mount Fuji demonstrate superior technical control across expansive metal surfaces.
The Asian Cloisonne Display Plate Glossary
- Cloisonne Enamel
- A decorative metalwork technique where fine wires form cells filled with vitreous paste. These wires define the boundaries of the design before the object is fired and polished.
- Charger
- A large ornamental plate or platter. Such vessels served primarily for display rather than dining.
- Vitreous Enamel
- Glass powder fused to a metal substrate through high temperature firing. This material provides durable colour and a glossy finish.
- Meiji Period
- An era in Japanese history spanning from 1868 to 1912. Many decorative metal objects on this page originate from this time.
- Mon
- A Japanese emblem or crest used to decorate garments and objects. These heraldic badges frequently appear within surface patterns.
Asian Cloisonne Display Plate: Frequently Asked Questions
How were display plates used?
These large chargers and plaques were created for decorative display within interiors rather than for serving food at table. Their substantial size and pictorial subjects made them centrepieces for rooms.
Owners typically placed them on specialist stands or mounted them directly onto walls to showcase the intricate enamelwork.
How do I clean cloisonne?
Maintenance requires only gentle dusting with a soft, dry cloth to protect the polished enamel and metal surfaces. Liquid cleaners and abrasive agents can damage the delicate wire borders.
Keep pieces away from direct sunlight and damp environments to preserve the stability of the metal and glass compounds.
What motifs appear on plates?
Common subjects include leaping koi fish, dragons, phoenixes, owls, and botanical elements. Specific cultural symbols such as Mount Fuji and heraldic mon badges also feature prominently.
These designs were meticulously mapped out in wire before the enamel cells were filled and fired.
How are periods identified?
Dating relies upon stylistic markers, metal composition, and the complexity of the enamel work. Pieces from the Edo and Meiji periods exhibit distinct technical characteristics.
Signatures or specific colour palettes can further help contextualise the origin of an individual plate.