Chinese Cylindrical Vessel with Geometric Motifs

Black cylinder, white globes, and a pattern that sings.

Chinese cloisonne artists made this cylindrical vessel in the 20th century. Cloisonne is a technique in which wire cells are filled with colored enamel, commonly used for vases and decorative objects. This one is jet black, covered all over with white and black striped circles, like beach balls or planets, in varying sizes. The enamel is smooth and glossy, with fine outlines of metal wire visible around each circle.

About 12 inches tall and 3 across. Narrow, graphic, and made for a mantel.