Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Covered Jar, Qilin Design

Chinese cloisonne enamel covered jar of baluster form, decorated throughout in vibrant polychrome enamels against a rich red ground. The body features large auspicious mythical beasts, including a boldly rendered five-clawed dragon and kylin (qilin), depicted amid stylized multicolored cloud formations. The red ground is finely worked with a repeating geometric diaper pattern in gilt wire. The shoulder is encircled by a broad band of colorful ruyi-form lappets and scrolling floral ornament, while the lower body terminates in a band of upright lotus-petal and foliate decoration. The neck is embellished with additional auspicious motifs and stylized cloud forms. The removable domed cover is similarly decorated with a kylin amid the patterned red ground and fitted with a coordinating cloisonne knop finial. Gilt-bronze rims accent the mouth, cover, and foot. The underside is finished in turquoise-blue enamel and bears an applied rectangular seal-form mark with Chinese characters.

Dimensions: 9.75"W x 14.5"H
Weight: 8.14 lbs.

Condition: Good