This pairing brings together two material traditions that celebrate ornament through craftsmanship. The large Chinese cloisonné box, dating to the late Qing dynasty, is decorated with an imperial five-clawed dragon pursuing the flaming pearl, a motif long associated with wisdom, authority, and the continual pursuit of enlightenment. Fine brass wirework contains layers of cobalt, turquoise, vermilion, and celadon enamel, creating a richly textured surface that shifts with changing light.
Complementing the box is a small carved onyx tray, selected for its quiet material presence. The natural veining and translucency of the stone provide a restrained counterpoint to the intricate cloisonné, allowing each object to enhance the other through contrast in color, texture, and finish.
Together, the pair functions as both sculpture and utility, offering elegant storage for jewelry, correspondence, or treasured objects while introducing material depth and historical character to a tabletop, dressing room, or library.
Box Size:
Tray Size:
Materials: cloisonné enamel over brass; carved onyx
Provenance: late Qing dynasty, circa 1900; 20th-century carved stone tray
Made in: China
Notes: imperial dragon and flaming pearl decoration; hand-applied cloisonné wirework; naturally veined onyx selected to complement the enamel palette.
This pairing brings together two material traditions that celebrate ornament through craftsmanship. The large Chinese cloisonné box, dating to the late Qing dynasty, is decorated with an imperial five-clawed dragon pursuing the flaming pearl, a motif long associated with wisdom, authority, and the continual pursuit of enlightenment. Fine brass wirework contains layers of cobalt, turquoise, vermilion, and celadon enamel, creating a richly textured surface that shifts with changing light.
Complementing the box is a small carved onyx tray, selected for its quiet material presence. The natural veining and translucency of the stone provide a restrained counterpoint to the intricate cloisonné, allowing each object to enhance the other through contrast in color, texture, and finish.
Together, the pair functions as both sculpture and utility, offering elegant storage for jewelry, correspondence, or treasured objects while introducing material depth and historical character to a tabletop, dressing room, or library.
Box Size:
Tray Size:
Materials: cloisonné enamel over brass; carved onyx
Provenance: late Qing dynasty, circa 1900; 20th-century carved stone tray
Made in: China
Notes: imperial dragon and flaming pearl decoration; hand-applied cloisonné wirework; naturally veined onyx selected to complement the enamel palette.