{"product_id":"antique-chinese-butterfly-enamel-trinket-dish-16cm","title":"Antique Chinese butterfly enamel trinket dish, 16cm","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis striking butterfly-shaped enamel dish is a fine example of late Qing to early Republic period Chinese cloisonné work, notable for its unusual naturalistic form and vibrant palette. Measuring approximately 16 cm across the wingspan, the piece is shallow enough to function as a small dish or tray and is ideal for use as a trinket holder, ring dish or purely as a decorative accent. The metal body has been carefully pressed and profiled into the outline of a butterfly in flight, giving the whole object an elegant, sculptural presence even before the enamelling is considered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe upper surface is richly decorated in coloured enamels, laid within slender metal cloisons. The butterfly’s wings are rendered in powerful shades of cobalt and sky blue, with concentric “eye” markings picked out in yellow, red and black. These eyespots, together with the fine linear detailing on each wing panel, recall motifs often seen in late 19th‑century Chinese cloisonné but here interpreted with an especially lively, almost painterly quality. The outlining cloisons are crisp and regular, confirming careful workmanship rather than mass production.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA soft celadon‑green enamel border encircles the butterfly’s wings, filled with trailing foliate scrolls and small stylised floral motifs in black enamel. This green ground provides a subtle but effective contrast to the intense blues of the central design, framing the insect and giving the dish an attractive sense of depth. The insect’s segmented body is rendered in warm brown and cream tones with neatly defined bands, and small, alert eyes provide a focal point at the centre of the composition. Overall the colour balance is harmonious and highly decorative, the sort of palette that sits comfortably with both traditional and modern interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe underside is finished in a plain, slightly bluish off‑white enamel typical of antique Chinese cloisonné wares, with a gilt‑bronze or brass exposed footrim following an inner “butterfly” reserve. This raised rim allows the dish to sit securely and slightly proud of the surface on which it is placed. The metal shows the mellow patina of age rather than bright modern gilding, which collectors often regard as desirable evidence of originality. There are some expected minor firing specks and light surface marks to the white enamel back, consistent with period production and normal use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCondition is very good for an enamel piece of this age and delicacy. The enamelling on the front is bright and intact, with no apparent overpainting or restoration. As noted by the owner, there is a small nick or loss on the base edge, visible in close‑up photographs; this appears confined to the underside and does not detract from display when the dish is in use. Apart from this minor flaw, the overall impression is of a carefully preserved object, with clean lines and strong decoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eButterfly imagery has long been associated in Chinese decorative arts with joy, summer and romantic love, and in some contexts symbolizes longevity and happiness in marriage. In cloisonné, butterfly forms and motifs are markedly less common than floral or geometric designs. The combination of an actual butterfly silhouette with a fully detailed butterfly motif on the interior makes this dish a comparatively rare and appealing variant, particularly attractive to collectors of themed insect or natural history pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the serious collector of Asian enamel or Chinese export decorative arts, this dish offers several points of interest: an uncommon form, technically well‑executed enamelling, and a bright, original surface. For interior decorators or private buyers, its compact 16 cm size allows it to sit comfortably on a side table, desk, dressing table or within a cabinet of curiosities. It functions equally well as a stand‑alone focal point or as part of a grouped display with other small cloisonné or porcelain pieces. Whether used practically for small jewellery items or displayed purely as an objet d’art, it is a charming and distinctive example of Chinese enamelling craftsmanship.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Moffitts Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53587236094236,"sku":null,"price":47.2,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0677\/4630\/0188\/files\/57_6ed26368-82d9-43fd-91b3-831a438748bd.jpg?v=1767694902","url":"https:\/\/moffitts.co.uk\/products\/antique-chinese-butterfly-enamel-trinket-dish-16cm","provider":"Moffitts Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}