Pair of cloisonné enamel pigeons

A pair of cloisonné enamel models of fan-tailed pigeons, their backs and wings forming the removable covers.  The birds look sharply to one side, with their beaks open.  The birds’ bodies are rendered in lapis-lazuli coloured enamel, with a bright yellow streak running down the chest of each bird.  Both the wing and tail feathers are composed of strips of brightly coloured enamels.  The eyes are detailed in red enamel with white pupils and arched eyebrows; the beaks and feet are gilded.

•   Cloisonné enamel models of birds were immensely popular in the 18th century.  The removable wings cover a recess in the birds’ backs, indicating that they could be used as incense burners, although their prime purpose was presumably a decorative rather than a useful one.  Models of pigeons are rare; quails are much more frequently seen.1   A cloisonné enamel model of a magpie is in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris.2 

1. For a pair of pigeons with individually removable wings see: Catalogue, Ben Janssens Oriental Art 2001, p. 50
2. Garner, Sir H. Chinese and Japanese Cloisonné Enamels, London 1962, plate 59