Featured Chinese Bronze Container with Enamel Figures - Purpose?

Another interesting object from my recent purchases that I would appreciate your thoughts on. I think it has some kind of cloth attached to the metal surface and then painted (?), as there is a distinct pattern on the surface. There appear to be tiny, flat, enamel figures attached to this surface around all the sides, and an enamel pattern on the rim. It is stamped "China" on the bottom. I can't figure out it's purpose - Bonsai pot or something to do with tea or some other reason to exist. It is quite small at 7 1/4 inches long x 5 inches wide by 2 inches deep. I've not seen anything like it, but I hope someone will be able to tell me what it is and maybe how old. Any thoughts appreciated.

 

Aside for a Bonsai, maybe it held one of those gemstone flower/ tree creations?

James.

 

Could be. I didn't think of that. Thank you.

 

My goodness. You found it and they are all suggesting antique bonsai planter - one almost exactly the same says 1920's. Thank you so much.


Vintage Cloisonne Box, Chinese Cloisonne Bonsai Planter – Yesteryear Essentials

 

He knows so much. You're right!

 

Bulb pot

 

never enough though!

This isn't cloisonne of course, it's what we call Canton enamel.
Far rarer than cloisonne and in my book way more desirable, especially in a bulb pot like this. Not seen one in Canton enamel before. Lovely thing!

 

I agree, and I love Canton enamel. There is more charm to it, with that slightly sloppy enamelling, and I love the colours.
You can also find it on jewellery and snuff bottles, btw.

 

That's a big help

 

So the seller was wrong on the example I gave. This is very exciting to have something that I've never heard of. Wikipedia mentions the following "Chinese cloisonné is sometimes confused with Canton enamel, a type of painted enamel on copper that is more closely related to overglaze enamels on Chinese porcelain, or enamelled glass. This is painted on freehand and so does not use partitions to hold the colours separate." I thought these looked like transfers, not hand drawn.
No wonder my search comes up with nothing new when searching for Canton enamel bulb pot. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge - though you consider it pitiful.

 

Thank you. Good to see you again. My broad search on canton enamel shows a variety of pieces as you said. I take it the central location for this work was Canton? Do you any ideas about time frame?

 

Yes.

They were still making it well into the 20th century.
This is my 20th century Canton enamel hairpin:

 

As I look at it across the room waiting for its place in my collection, the bright colors of the enamel figures pop from the dull brown background. It's truly a more lovely thing than I thought. I was just interested in what it was, now I'm startled by its exquisite sensibility. I realize now why @blooey and @Any Jewelry find it so attractive. Thank you both for sharing your vision of this type of artistry. It enhances it greatly in my eyes.

 

Perfect. That is very helpful. Lovely hairpin!