For 30 years, George Walter Vincent and Belle Townsley Smith built an extraordinary collection of Chinese cloisonné, drawn to the artistry, craftsmanship, and symbolism of these remarkable decorative objects. Although the Smiths never traveled to China, their appreciation for Chinese culture and decorative arts shaped one of the finest collections in their museum.

Cloisonné is created through a meticulous process in which delicate bronze wires form intricate designs on a metal surface, creating compartments that are filled with colorful enamel and repeatedly fired in a kiln. The skill and patience required to create each piece resulted in objects of exceptional beauty and detail. The Smiths’ collection includes examples from the Ming dynasty, considered the golden age of cloisonné, as well as later works from the Qing dynasty.

The gallery features a wide range of objects, including vases, dishes, incense burners, and ceremonial pieces. Among the highlights is a magnificent vase decorated with gilt bronze dragons surrounded by deep blue enamel, rich with symbolism representing wisdom, strength, and immortality. Another unusual piece, a colorful elephant carrying a vase, conveys wishes for peace and hope through traditional Chinese wordplay.

Today, the Cloisonné Gallery remains true to the Smiths’ original vision, with many objects displayed in their historic late 19th-century cases and a wall color inspired by the gallery’s original design. The space offers a rare opportunity to experience these masterpieces of craftsmanship much as visitors did more than a century ago.