18th Century Chinese Canton Enamel Jardiniere Bonsai Container With Exquisite Decorations

Stunning Chinese canton enamel jardiniere from the 18th century. The piece is made of metal with exquisite colorful and intricate floral decorations in shades of bright blue and chartreuse green. These very special containers were often used to hold bonsai trees and jade stone trees. Canton enamel originated in Limoges, France in the 1400's. It was especially produced during the Qing Dynasty in Guangzhou (Canton) from the 18th to 19th centuries. It is made by applying a layer of enamel to metal object, firing it, and painting with colored enamels in the same way as porcelain, and firing again to set the colors. This piece is a rare and exquisite find!