Vintage Plique-à-Jour Enamel Bird Box, Blue & Green

This finely detailed plique-à-jour enamel box takes the form of a seated bird, with blue and green feathers and floral decoration extending across its removable cover and shallow bowl. Attributed to China and dating to the 20th century, it offers an appealing combination of sculptural form and intricate enamelwork.

Plique-à-jour, loosely translated as “letting in daylight,” uses vitreous enamel fired within metal cells without a permanent backing. Light passes through the finished enamel much like stained glass—a feature especially worth appreciating in this piece’s curved, closely patterned cover. The technique requires considerable control of both the metal framework and repeated firing.

Known in European metalwork since the early 15th century and revived during the Art Nouveau period, plique-à-jour has long been admired for its technical difficulty. Here, the workmanship continues into the floral base of the bowl, rewarding examination from every angle. A distinctive small box for a collector of enamels or Chinese decorative arts.

Specs
Materials: translucent enamel, metal framework.
Dimensions: 3" H × 3" L × 2¾" D.
Attribution: China, 20th century.
Includes: bird cover and floral bowl.

Condition
Very good vintage condition. The enamel is intact, with no chips or cracks. The metal framework retains an aged patina and variations in tone.