CLOISONNE VASE - This piece has a very pleasing design, it features birds flying around the center of the vase on a dark backgound.  The top has a symmetrical repeating design with a flowal pattern on a brown background.  The bottom is unmarked copper.  The vase measures 8 inches high, approx. 4 1/2 inches width at the widest part, the base is 2 1/2 inches in diameter. 

The cloisonné (pronounced: cloy-sun-ay) process was established early in the era of the Ming Dynasty in China (1368 AD). It involves hammering flat sheet copper into the shape of the vase. Small strips of flat wire are then attached to the vase, forming the structure of the design. Hard enamel is applied and the vase is fired multiple times in order to build up the color-filled areas to the height of the strips. Finally, the vase is polished smooth and the metal parts are plated with gold.

DOMESTIC SHIPPING AND HANDLING - PRIORITY MAIL $6.50