Bidspirit auction | Qing Dynasty, Cloisonné Enamel Intertwined

Qing Dynasty, Cloisonné Enamel Intertwined Lotus Water-Chestnut Vase - The piece’s crowning glory lies in the boldly carved plum branches rising from the exterior. Rather than incising decoration flatly, the craftsman worked outwards from the jade core, carving in high relief so that branches project fully from the surface. Gnarled boughs twist and reach, twigs spreading in every direction; blossoms unfurl in delicate, open petals. The flowering spray spirals upward from the base to emerge at the rim, forming natural, organic handles — substance and void in perfect balance, alive with three-dimensional vitality. The cutting is sure and fluid: capturing both the iron strength of ancient plum and the grace of its quiet beauty, in the quintessential manner of Qianlong imperial jade carving.