Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Egg with Lotus, Bird, and Auspicious Cloud Motifs China, Late 20th Century (circa 1970s–1990s)

This refined Chinese cloisonné enamel egg exemplifies the enduring legacy of traditional cloisonné craftsmanship, presented in an elegant ovoid form measuring 3.5 x 2.5 inches and weighing 127 grams. The egg is finished in a luminous white enamel ground, meticulously decorated with a repeating auspicious cloud motif rendered in fine gilt wirework.

The principal decoration features a delicately composed lotus blossom, executed in soft rose, vermilion, and golden yellow enamels, rising from a stylized stem. In Chinese iconography, the lotus symbolizes purity, renewal, and spiritual harmony, making it a favored motif in decorative arts intended for contemplation and refinement.

The reverse displays a finely detailed phoenix-like bird, portrayed in jewel-toned enamels of turquoise, emerald green, cinnabar red, and gold. The phoenix (fenghuang) is among the most revered symbols in Chinese culture, representing rebirth, virtue, grace, and auspicious fortune. Its presence further elevates the object’s symbolic resonance, suggesting balance and prosperity.

Crafted using the traditional cloisonné technique, thin metal wires were carefully shaped to outline each motif before being filled with hand-applied enamel and kiln-fired multiple times. This labor-intensive process produces the characteristic glassy surface, rich coloration, and subtle dimensionality evident throughout the piece.

Provenance & Dating

Decorative cloisonné eggs of this type were produced in China primarily during the late 20th century, reflecting a revival of classical motifs and export-quality craftsmanship inspired by earlier Qing dynasty precedents. While not imperial in origin, examples such as this were created for collectors and connoisseurs of Asian decorative arts, and are now appreciated for their cultural symbolism, aesthetic balance, and artisanal quality.

Dimensions & Weight

• Height: 3.5 inches
• Width: 2.5 inches
• Weight: 127 grams

Condition

The egg presents in excellent decorative condition, with vibrant enamel coloration and intact gilt outlines, suitable for display in a curated collection, cabinet, or scholarly setting.

An elegant and symbolic work, this cloisonné egg stands as a refined example of Chinese enamel artistry, equally appropriate as a collector’s object, decorative accent, or cultural conversation piece.