Chinese Cloisonne Ashtray Value Guide

This mid-20th century Chinese Cloisonne ashtray features a distinctive ruffled edge and a vibrant red enamel background, a departure from the traditional 'Jingtai Blue' style. These pieces represent a significant era of Chinese export art, showcasing the ancient technique of using flattened brass wires to create intricate floral motifs.

What Is Chinese Cloisonne Ashtray Worth?

The typical price range for Chinese Cloisonne Ashtray is $25 - $35 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the enamel, specifically looking for 'pitting' or cracks which can significantly lower the $25-$35 price point.
• The vibrancy and rarity of the red background color compared to more common turquoise or blue versions.
• Intactness of the brass wires; missing or lifting wires reduce the collectible value.
• Presence of original export markings or labels from the mid-20th century period.

How to Identify Chinese Cloisonne Ashtray?

• Look for the characteristic ruffled or scalloped edge on the brass rim, typical of 1940s-1960s export ware.
• Examine the 'cloisons' or wire cells for a vibrant red enamel fill, which is less common than the standard blue varieties.
• Check the underside for a brass base, often showing a natural aged patina or a simple 'China' stamped mark.
• Inspect the floral motif for fine, hand-applied brass wires that separate the different enamel colors.

History of Chinese Cloisonne Ashtray

Cloisonn is an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects with colored material separated by strips of flattened wire placed on the metal surface. The art form was introduced to China in the 13th and 14th centuries, possibly via the Silk Road, but it truly flourished during the Ming Dynasty, especially under the Jingtai Emperor, leading to the Chinese term 'Jingtai Blue' for cloisonn wares. While often associated with intricate blue designs, red cloisonn is also highly prized. These small dishes or ashtrays were popular export items from the late 19th to mid-20th century, admired for their detailed craftsmanship and vibrant colors.