Chinese Ornamental Wall Plate with Butterflies

Round bronze and cloisonné enamel plate designed in China in the 20th century.

This plate is made of bronze and cloisonné enamel, a goldsmith technique originally applied to jewellery design. The polychrome decoration depicts two butterflies flying amidst a field of different flowers. Pink and blue peonies that have opened and not yet blossomed coexist against a blue background, creating a striking scenic contrast. The scenes are bordered by friezes with ornamental motifs on a dark green background with blue butterflies as decoration. The plates with precise decorations and cheerful colours naturally attract attention. A unique collector's piece!