Chinese Cloisonné Enamel Brass Bowl

This is a circular, shallow decorative bowl crafted using the traditional Chinese cloisonné technique, likely dating from the mid-20th century. The piece features a solid brass or bronze base with visible polished metal rims at the mouth and likely the foot. The interior well is finished in a deep black enamel, accented with a central floral sprig featuring pink and white plum blossoms (meihua) on a turquoise-blue branch. The exterior body is densely decorated with fine brass wirework forming a repetitive 'scroll' or 'cloud' pattern against a black ground. A prominent ruyi-style border or 'cloud collar' band encircles the shoulder in shades of turquoise, red, and white. The craftsmanship shows intricate wire placement, though some minor pitting and surface wear consistent with age are visible. There are no immediate signs of major structural damage, though light oxidation is present on the exposed brass edges. The style is characteristic of export wares produced in the Republic period or slightly later, demonstrating a high degree of labor through the hand-applied enameling process.

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