Antique Chinese Qing Dynasty wooden and gilt bronze cloisonne Horse saddle. All reserved in ornamentations are rendered in pale turquoise underglaze base color which carved with cloisonne design. Astounding Cloisonne horse saddle constructed from hardwood. The horse is known in ancient times to symbolize perseverance, speed, power, and strength. The cloisonne decorations are so intricate that it demands attention as it would indicate the high rank of the person who strode atop this master-craft. The frontal area delineates a flowers blooms and foliage in vivid tones color. Mountain range flanked on both sides by similar flowers blooms moving through a ruyi cloud in various color. This cloud-filled expanse with flori continues throughout the entire design. Each wooden component is lashed together using a very strong cord that is strung through corresponding voids. Amazing condition with a natural patina giving this piece an unforgettable appearance. Dimensions: Height 11-3/4" Width: 19-1/2" LOT NOTES: The cloisonne technique was mostly used for jewelry and small fittings for clothes, weapons or similar small objects decorated with geometric or schematic designs, with thick cloisonne walls.century this enamel technique had spread to China, where it was soon used for much larger vessels such as bowls and vases; the technique remains common in China to the present day, and cloisonne enamel objects using Chinese-derived styles were produced in the 18th century. However, by the beginning of the 18th century the Kangxi Emperor had a cloisonne workshop among the many Imperial factories. The most elaborate and highly valued Chinese pieces are from the early Ming Dynasty, especially the reigns of the Xuande Emperor and Jingtai Emperor (1450–57), although 19th century or modern pieces are far more common. The Chinese industry seems to have benefited from a number of skilled Byzantine refugees fleeing the Fall of Constantinople in 1453, although based on the name alone, it is far more likely China obtained knowledge of the technique from the middle east. In much Chinese cloisonne blue is usually the predominant color, and the Chinese name for the technique, jingtailan ("Jingtai blue ware"), refers to this, and the Jingtai Emperor. Chinese cloisonne is amongst the best known enamel cloisonne in the world.