Bidspirit auction | Collection of Cloisonne Enamel &

Collection of Cloisonne Enamel & Shell Inlaid Thimbles - Eleven decorative sewing thimbles featuring a variety of materials and artisanal techniques. The collection includes several cloisonne enamel thimbles with gold-toned dimpled caps and enameled bodies. These pieces are decorated with avian motifs, including birds perched on flowering cherry or plum branches, set against background colors of white, cobalt blue, sky blue, and reddish-brown. The interiors of several cloisonne examples are finished with a vibrant blue enamel lining. Also included is a gold-toned cloisonne thimble featuring a heron or crane amidst foliage, and a black-ground cloisonne piece depicting a mouse among grape clusters and leaves. Two thimbles are constructed with iridescent shell panels, possibly abalone or mother-of-pearl, arranged in a vertical mosaic pattern within silver-toned metal frames. These shell-inlaid pieces feature perforated tops and show remnants of interior cork padding. No maker's marks, signatures, or country of origin marks are visible on the exterior surfaces or rims of the items. Height: approximately 1 inch. The thimbles are in good overall vintage condition. The cloisonne enamel remains largely intact across the collection, with only minor surface wear and light oxidation to the exposed gold-toned and silver-toned metal rims and caps. The shell-inlaid panels are secure within their frames, showing natural iridescence and typical age-related wear to the internal padding. There are no visible chips, cracks, or significant losses to the enamel work.