The focal point at the center of the charger is a large dragon flying in the clouds over water. There are two symbols that I believe are flaming pearls, which have been chased by dragons in Chinese art for thousands of years. There are typical Ming style multi-colored lotus with scrolling folliage and curling leaves all around the front edge of the charger. The base metal appears to be brass or bronze. There are several traditional Chinese borders from Chinese art on the charger (two on the front and five on the back). The ground is a lovely teal or turquoise color that is splendid with the other colors in the cloisonne. The teal ground on the front of the charger is repeated in the ground on the back. The back of the charger is decorated around the outer edge with “cut-out flowers”, leaves and curling vines. There are many different shades of green in the colors that are quite beautiful with the teal ground. The charger has a 7/8 elevated base in the center. The inside of the elevated base is adorned with clouds in wire cloisonne and has Chinese writing. It is quite special to have those wonderful wishes from a Chinese artisan of long ago. There is a dark patina all over the charger that has accumulated over time. I believe that I can even feel the patina on the old charger. I have occasionally lightly wiped the charger with a soft cloth & warm water but have never tried to scrub it. There are a few brownish or dark spots which I believe will come off should the new owner like the charger to be a little cleaner. He had quite a few wonderful Ming antiques and showed them to me on several occasions. This is one of his family pieces of Ming cloisonne. It has been on display in my collection of Asian arts for over 40 years. I liked to display the dragon charger on a glossy five-leg “fancy stand” but sometimes I used a plain black easel stand. So the charger is certainly Ming style. It could also be Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912) made in Ming style but is certainly antique cloisonne. The stand has a glossy reddish finish that looks beautiful with the charger. It is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the charger and is an elegant way to display the antique cloisonne charger. The easel stand is held together with two hinges and appears to be sturdy. However, due to the age of the stands, both stands should be checked periodically to be sure they remain sturdy. The antique charger is in excellent antique condition. Most notable are a number of flakes of enamel loss which is common for old cloisonne from normal use. These bits of enamel loss are most visible on inspection with certain lighting. They can also be felt with your hands. There is also some pitting as can be common with antique or old cloisonné. There could be small surface scratches. The patina is aged and probably includes a little dirt that could be cleaned off. The metal has darkened and has some tarnish. Other than what has been noted already, there are no chips, dents, cracks or dings. The charger is in excellent vintage condition with expected wear given the age and great potential for damage. The antique charger is very ornate and absolutely beautiful. The fancy wood stand has one chip or dent and a little light wood shows. It could be touched up. There are surface scratches and rubs. The legs are secure. I see no other damage, chips, repairs or missing pieces. The stand is in very good condition with normal use. The easel stand has light surface scratches and spots. The two hinges are secure. It has no chips, cracks, repairs or damage. It is in excellent pre-owned condition. Weight: 4.26 pounds. Height on base: 2 1/4. Diameter of elevated base: 7 1/4. Height of base: 7/8. Marked with “Blessing/Happiness/Good Fortune” and “Longevity”. Weight: 2.52 pounds. Length across at widest: 11 1/4. Area for display: 7 3/4. Weight: 221.4 grams. This is a very ornate & beautiful antique Chinese cloisonne charger and perhaps it dates from the Ming Dynasty. Whether Ming or Ming-style, the cloisonne charger will be a cherished addition to a collection of Asian arts and antiques. The old stands will help make the antique Chinese cloisonne charger a focal point in your collection. Please note that I cannot guarantee the charger to be Ming and have not priced it as such. Please examine the photos to assess the condition for yourself. Other items shown in the photos are for display purposes only. The item “Antique MING or Ming-Style Qing Chinese Cloisonne Charger DragonLotusBlessing” is in sale since Monday, April 17, 2017. This item is in the category “Antiques\Asian Antiques\China\Plates”. The seller is “wilderness03″ and is located in Deerfield, Virginia. This item can be shipped to United States.
- Color: Teal,greens,white,red,blue,pink,yellow,black
- Region of Origin: China
- Primary Material: Cloisonne
- Age: Ming (1368 – 1644) or Qing
- Original/Reproduction: Original
- Type: Plates