Hi Christina,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

This box is decorated with a technique called "cloisonné," which is a form of enameling in which metal wires or strips (usually made of brass, copper, or gold) are used to create small compartments ("cloisons" in French) on a metal surface. These compartments are then filled with colored enamel paste and fired in a kiln to fuse the enamel. It was a technique employed in both China and Europe but the presence of a carved jade medallion is in keeping with this having been made in China, probably for the export (tourist) market.

The blue interior is enameled and is flaking, which unfortunately brings the value down a bit.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A Chinese export cloisonne enamel and jade mounted box
early 20th Century
Of rectangular section, with black enameled ground with floral decoration, the hinged lid inset with a carved and pierced jade medallion, the interior with blue enameling, the underside marked "CHINA."
(DIMENSIONS)
CONDITION: In poor condition, with flaking and losses to the enameling throughout.
PROVENANCE: Wedding present
$ 30-50*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia