Light blue enameled cloisonné pot and lid with a gilt knob. The decoration consists of white flowers which we believe to be stylized Peonies symbolic for Wealth and Honor. Green acanthus leaves represent Good Luck and Happiness. The rim is embellished with stylized Clouds which Grant all Wishes. Even the wooden stand is finely executed which makes this pot an exceptional object standing out from the many cloisonné items manufactured in the 1970’s and later. The bottom and the inside of the pot are enameled in green. Cloisonné is an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects. The decoration is formed by first creating compartments (cloisons in French) on the object by soldering metal wires in the shape of the desired decoration. The ends of the wires, which remain visible on the finished piece, must meet again to confine the molten enamel (glass paste) which is later added to its ‘cloison’. If the ‘cloisons’ are not completely closed the different colored enamels may mix which will spoil the overall effect. The enamel is applied in different colors in three or four layers which will be fired at a slightly lower temperature for each individual layer. When the firing is finished, the enamel will be ground smooth and polished. Finally the object will be given a gold bath. A thin gold layer will adhere to the metal preventing it from corroding. The pot dates from around 1970. Height including stand 24.5 cm. Height excluding stand 21.5 cm. Diameter pot at its widest point 13.5 cm. Diameter at the base 9 cm.