Lot 175: Three Chinese Cloisonne Enamel Miniature Apple Trinket Boxes

Three Chinese cloisonne enamel miniature lidded boxes, each modelled in the form of an apple. The set comprises two boxes with a white enamel ground and one with a dark navy blue ground. Each is decorated with polychrome cloisonne enamel depicting traditional floral and foliate motifs, including stylised peonies and scrolling leaves in shades of red, green, and blue. The white-ground examples also feature small white cloud motifs. Each apple is topped with a brass-toned metal stem terminating in a small circular loop handle. The interiors and the circular recessed bases are finished in a solid, vibrant cobalt blue enamel. The boxes are crafted using the cloisonne technique, with thin metal wires applied to a metal body to create cells filled with coloured vitreous enamel. The exposed metal rims and stems show a yellow-gold tone.