Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What is the difference between cloisonne and enamel?
1 Answer

Enamel is a decorative technique in which colored and powdered glass is vitrified and fused to metal or ceramic. Cloisonne is a type of enamel work. The word cloisonné comes from the French word cloison, meaning to divide or partition. Cloisonne uses wire to separate various colors of enamel to create patterns and images.

Lotus GalleryMarch 17, 2021
Shop for Enamel Japan on 1stDibs
Japanese Kinrande Imari Octagonal Zodiac Bowl, Taisho Period, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A striking Japanese kinrande type Imari porcelain octagonal "fukuju" bowl with zodiac images
Category
Vintage 1910s Japanese Taisho Ceramics
Materials
Porcelain
Japanese Cloisonne Box by Inaba, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan
By Inaba Cloisonne Co.
Located in Austin, TX
"Made in Japan".
The underside of matte black enamel, typical of Inaba Nanaho works.
Category
Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Metalwork
Materials
Copper, Enamel, Metal
Small Japanese Meiji Period Cloisonne Round Box, circa 1910, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A small and delightful Japanese yellow ground cloisonne round trinket or incense box, Meiji Period
Category
Vintage 1910s Japanese Meiji Decorative Boxes
Materials
Copper, Enamel
Japanese Red Ginbari Cloisonne Trinket Box, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A rich and elegant Japanese export red ginbari cloisonne trinket box, Meiji Period, circa 1900
Category
Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Decorative Boxes
Materials
Metal, Copper, Enamel, Foil
Two Small Japanese Cloisonne Dragon Vases, Early 20th Century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
Two charming, small Japanese cloisonné dragon vases, Meiji to Taisho period, early 20th century
Category
Early 20th Century Japanese Taisho Metalwork
Materials
Copper, Enamel, Foil
Japanese Imari Ten Sided Dish, Edo / Meiji Period, mid 19th century, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
enamels, Edo to Meiji Period, mid 19th century, Japan.
The ten sided dish features a charming Chinese
Category
Antique 1860s Japanese Meiji Ceramics
Materials
Enamel
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Chinese Eastern Han Dynasty Green Glazed 'Bear' Lamp Stand, 25 - 220 AD, China
Located in Austin, TX
A powerful and enigmatic Chinese green glazed pottery 'bear' lamp stand, Eastern Han Dynasty (25 - 220 AD), China.
The tall lamp stand modeled as a column with a wide hemispherical ...
Category
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Han Antiquities
Materials
Ceramic, Earthenware, Pottery
Japanese Bronze Incense Burner, Koro, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A darling and charming small Japanese cast bronze incense burner, koro, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan.
The small incense burner, koro, set on three tall and splayed legs with pawe...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Scholar's Objects
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Bronze Flower Vase, Edo to Meiji Period, circa 1860, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A striking Japanese cast and carved patinated bronze trumpet mouth vase for flower displays, Edo to Meiji Period, mid 19th century, circa 1860, Japan.
The tall and elegant bronze fl...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century Japanese Edo Metalwork
Materials
Bronze
Japanese Silver Wire Cloisonne Vase Lamp, Meiji Period, c 1900, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A vibrant Japanese turquoise ground and silver wire cloisonne vase, now mounted as a lamp, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan.
The tall vase of elegant rouleau shape, with a straight n...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Table Lamps
Materials
Rock Crystal, Silver, Brass, Copper
Japanese Satsuma Incense Burner, Koro, with Silver Lid, Meiji Period, Japan
Located in Austin, TX
A fantastic Japanese Satsuma incense burner, koro, with phoenix and brocade designs and a silver lid, Meiji Period, late 19th century, Japan.
The cens...
Category
Antique 1890s Japanese Meiji Ceramics
Materials
Silver
Japanese Satsuma Dragon Vase, Meiji Period, c 1900, Japan
By Satsuma
Located in Austin, TX
A fantastic small Japanese Satsuma vase with image of writhing dragons, Meiji Period, circa 1900, Japan.
The vase of elegant baluster form, with a slightly flared foot, slender body...
Category
Antique Early 1900s Japanese Meiji Ceramics
Materials
Ceramic, Porcelain, Pottery, Stoneware, Hardwood
Worcester Porcelain "Dragons in Compartments" Heart Shaped Dish, early 19th c
By Chamberlains Worcester
Located in Austin, TX
A fun and colorful English Chamberlains Worcester "Dragons in Compartments" heart or ruyi shaped enameled soft paste porcelain dish, early 19th century, circa 1810, Worcester, Englan...
Category
Antique Early 19th Century English George III Porcelain
Materials
Porcelain