Chinese Cloisonné Covered Box with Magpie & Plum Blossom — Republic / Mid-20th Century, c. 1920–1960

Round Chinese cloisonné enamel box with domed lid, decorated with a magpie on flowering prunus and a butterfly against a black ground filled with fine gold-wire cloud scroll. The motif (xǐ shàng méi shāo 喜上眉梢, "joy reaches the brow tips") is one of the most beloved auspicious pairings in Chinese ornament — a visual wish for happiness and long life. Beijing workshop, Republic to mid-20th century.