Chinese Lidded Box in Shape of Watermelon

A watermelon that will never ripen, never spoil and never drip on the table.

This lidded box in the shape of a watermelon comes from China and dates to the 20th century. It is cloisonne. In cloisonne, thin metal wires are soldered to a body to form cells, which are filled with colored enamel and fired,. The oval body is enameled in bright green with wavy dark green stripes, and fine wire scrolls and flowers fill the lighter bands. A short metal stem projects at one end, and the lid separates along the middle. It sits on a dark wooden stand carved with bark-like grooves. It is 7.5 inches wide and 10 high.

Summer, permanently in season.