Blue & White Cloisonné Sponge Jar

This petite, early 20th century jar is a lovely example of Chinese cloisonné, decorated with softly shaded peonies and plum blossoms in a palette of blue and white enamels. The surrounding white field is patterned with a geometric meander and framed by a border of flower petals. This type of petite jar was included in the opium smoker's kit as a place to hold a damp sponge, used to keep tools and other accessories clean.

A decorative technique first adopted in China in the early Ming dynasty (1368-1644), cloisonné is achieved by outlining intricate patterns with thin strips of metal, which are then filled with colorful materials such as vitreous enamel, cut glass or gemstones.