Pair of Chinese hardstone flower trees in cloisonné enamel planters

Crafted out of a stunning array of hardstones as well as cloisonné enamel, this pair of flower trees showcases the outstanding skills of 20th century Chinese craftsmen.

Both models stand in charming cloisonné enamel planters. The bright yellow enamel used as the main shade is very important within Chinese culture. It is regarded as the imperial colour and is symbolic of power, prosperity, and royalty. The blue geometric shapes are arranged to depict a polychrome flower. All sides of the planters are decorated similarly. The top of the planters also include cloisonné enamelling, the design like the one below. Four outward-bent feet support each of the pots.

Growing upward from the colourful planters are two flower trees. Each one is filled with a plethora of green jade leaves in addition to hardstone flowers. The stigmas of all are crafted from a selection of delicate, colourful beads and twisted wire. The tree trunk, as well as branches, are metal, some covered with dark-coloured thread. In China, jade carving is a centuries-old craft, and the hardstone is equated with purity and indestructibility, often being used for ritual objects, adding an important symbolic meaning to these very fine models.

Of a very intricate design, this pair of Chinese objet d’art pieces would magnificently fit into both traditional and contemporary spaces.