Chinese jade and quartz flower model in a cloisonné enamel planter

This flower model celebrates the history of Chinese craftsmanship, bringing together the centuries-old techniques of jade carving and cloisonné enamelling.

Within the planter sits a metal trunk, treated with resin to evoke the texture of the natural bark. The extended branches are wrapped with brown thread to continue the trompe l’oeil illusion. Sitting atop the branches are multiple hardstone flowers, cast from jade, carnelian, and rose quartz. These three gemstones symbolise strength and purity, courage and healing, and unconditional love respectively, imbuing the object with a degree of spiritual meaning. The petals are centred by colourful beaded stigma that are threaded through the wire, providing a stunning contrast to the more muted tones of the hardstones. Alongside the flowers are several nephrite leaves, which have been expertly carved and etched to resemble the natural veining.

The flower model itself is complemented by the cloisonné enamel planter. Set on a stunning pale blue ground, the planter is decorated with a colourful red, pink, and green floral design that complements the colour palette of the hardstone petals above. The curling gold pattern that sits atop the ground adds further complexity to the cloisonné design. Further gold touches can be seen on the lip and feet of the planter. The upper rim features additional colourful geometric designs.

The expert modelling and the multiple precious materials used make this stunning flower model a true objet d’art.