Qianlong-Marked Cloisonné Enamel Mirror with Interlocking Lotus Pattern

The mirror is circular with a cylindrical knob pierced for suspension by a yellow silk cord. The rim is slightly raised. The reverse has a sky-blue ground decorated with red, yellow, and blue lotus scrolls. The centre of the knob is engraved with a ‘Made in the Qianlong period’ mark. It comes with a geometric-patterned brocade case.

Cloisonné enamel, commonly known as jingtailan, was introduced from the West around the Yuan dynasty and later evolved into a highly distinctive Chinese art form.
The even filigree wires, the full and fluid patterns, and the brilliant colours, combined with the thick lustrous gilding, make this mirror both beautiful and functional.