Cloisonne Brooches. Cloisonné is a way of enamelling an object, whereby fine wires are used to delineate the decorative areas (cloisons in French, hence cloisonné) into which enamel paste is applied before the object is fired and polished. Reference: Victoria and Albert Museum. Cloisonne techniques date back to the ancient world and first developed in the Near East.
Below are some examples and price guides of cloisonne brooches including a brooch by Wiener Werkstätte and an Anglo Saxon brooch.
Wiener Werkstätte
Cloisonné brooch, circa 1910
Brass and enamel, depicting stylised foliate pattern.
3.6 cm diameter
Stamped ‘WW’ monogram.
Sold for £892.50 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2023
William Harper Two-Color Gold, Silver, Baroque Freshwater Pearl and Cloisonné Enamel ‘Firebird’ Brooch
The large pear-shaped brooch of yellow and rose gold set with one baroque pearl and cloisonné orange, yellow, green and blue translucent and opaque enamel of varied geometric patterns, edged by textured gold cock’s comb and spiral terminal, engraved silver back with spiral gold closure, hand engraved and signed H. William Harper, 1994, “The Firebird,” ap. 122 grams gross.
Sold for $8,190 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2021
JAPONISM CLOISONNE ENAMELED BIRD BROOCH, in 9 ct. gold. Depicting a crane bird and floral design, in japonism style with cloisonne enamel. In the manner of Falize. Diam. 2.7 cm. 7.5 grams.
Sold for £110 at Etrusca Auctions in 2023
Late Anglo-Saxon Gilt Cloisonne Brooch with Starburst
11th century A.D. A gilt bronze disc brooch with seven radiating knops to the rim; pin-lug and clasp to the reverse; each lug with inset blue enamel; main body divided into a central starburst with seven D-shaped cells, all filled with blue enamel, white enamel spot to the central field.
Sold for £340 at TimeLine Auctions Ltd in 2022
ENGLISH ARTS & CRAFTS BROOCH, DATED 1917 white metal and cloisonne enamel, applied wire makers marks verso CES/ 1917 (5cm diameter)
Sold for £240 at Lyon & Turnbull in 2022
