Antique Chinese CLOISONNE’ ENAMEL ON METAL Smoking/Cigarette Box W Lid. Approx 4 7/8″ long x 3 5/8″ wide x 1.25 high. Design is gorgeous, with a reflective iridescence of very vivid jewel toned enamel colors over a stamped or embossed under-design outline. Lid/cover features a whimsical scene of a smiling man steering a barge down a river, surrounded by lotus and water lilies. There is a temple in the background with a colorful flag with Asian symbols on it waving in the wind. Three large Chinese letters are written in vivid blue inside of a vertical box going down the left side. Sides of this box are great- each end features a stack of 4 horizontally stacked cigarettes with blue tips. Opposing ends of the box feature a stamped chinoiserie pattern, almost a fleur-de-lis type, where the box closes seems to have 2 hanging cigarettes on clips as the artwork. Absolutely unique and charming! Chinese cloisonne’ is among the best known/best made enamel cloisonne’ in the world. Box is made of a silver metal with CHINA embossed into the underside base. Operates by opening the top which is securely attached by 2 metal hinges. Inside of box is an original paper label bordered in red with a reference number plus a separate article number. This may be a gallery number/ not sure. A beautiful work of art- incredibly detailed. Box is heavy, and enamel coating is very thick & glossy. Lid fits properly and is easy to open and close. Collectible and one of a kind. Very good condition- one of the hinges is slightly loose [not broken and is very securely in place] and so the lid has a tendency to close a fraction of an inch off square, but can easily be pushed into place- see pic 23. On the back of the box, below the left hinge, there is a VERY small area where the yellow enamel has greened and a VERY small flake where the enamel is missing and the metal has darkened. See pic 24 and use zoom- incredibly minor. No rust on this piece, metal has darkened a bit inside the box, normal for age. Would look stunning out on a table. Still very usable to cleverly store matches, etc. As always, my items are packed with EXTRA bubble wrap and extreme care to insure a safe arrival. Please check my other listings for more FABULOUS VINTAGE collectibles, glass, china, tea sets and cups, and unique treasures. I add several new listings per week. Please note the following, dear fellow shopping enthusiasts. I strive to give you the best service possible. I only list items that I think are unique and of good quality. I represent my items as accurately and clearly as I can, and believe it is always better for you to have too much information than not enough! Remember, these are vintage items and will have reasonable signs of age and wear which only adds to their personality, appeal and “funky vintage-ness”. They are not in their original boxes unless noted. Thank you for looking.
