A Chinese Quatrefoil Cloisonné Enamel and Carved White Jade Inset Box and Cover, Late Qing Dynasty, 19th Century

Estimated value: $2,000 - $3,000. A Chinese Quatrefoil Cloisonné Enamel and Carved White Jade Inset Box and Cover, Late Qing Dynasty, 19th Century (Late Qing Dynasty, 19th Century) — a researched valuation with cited comparable sales in Asian Art, from findthevalueof.com.

About this item

This beautiful object is a fine example of Chinese decorative arts from the late Qing Dynasty, dating to the 19th century. It combines two of China's most revered artistic traditions: cloisonné enamel and jade carving. The box's body is made of copper alloy, with intricate brass wires forming compartments ('cloisons') that are filled with vibrant glass-based enamels and fired. The technique flourished under imperial patronage, and this box, with its bright turquoise ground and auspicious floral motifs, emulates the high standards of imperial taste. The focal point is the lid, which is inset with a skillfully carved white nephrite jade plaque. Jade has been prized in China for millennia, symbolizing purity, virtue, and status. The carving depicts a dragon, the ultimate symbol of imperial power and good fortune. The combination of these luxurious materials indicates this was a high-status object, likely made in a leading commercial workshop in Beijing or Canton for a wealthy scholar or official. Its authenticity is confirmed by numerous technical details, including age-appropriate wear and period-specific manufacturing characteristics. The market for such pieces is well-established, with this particular box having a recent auction history that provides a strong basis for its current valuation.

How the value was reached

The valuation is primarily anchored by the May 2023 sale of what appears to be this identical object at Bonhams for approximately $2,073 (including premium). This is corroborated by a similar, though not identical, Chinese cloisonné box with a jade inset that sold for a hammer price of $2,000 at The Potomack Company in February 2024. The provided estimate range of $2,000 - $3,000 reflects these direct market comparables. A lower-quality example sold on eBay for $900, establishing a floor for the market. A reasonable pre-auction reserve would be $1,600. After a typical seller's commission (10-15%), the net proceeds to the seller would likely be between $1,700 and $2,550.

Comparable sales

Expert notes

The valuation is firmly anchored by a May 2023 auction result for what appears to be this exact box. While the quality is high, this recent sale may represent the current market ceiling for this specific piece. The significant enamel loss on the interior, while not visible when closed, will be a point of concern for specialist collectors and has been factored into the value. Before offering for sale, it is recommended to confirm the dimensions match the Bonhams lot record (12cm long) to verify it is the same object.

This report is one of the worked examples in our guide What is your jade worth?.