Polychrome is a word used to describe objects which are painted, printed or decorated in a variety of colors as opposed to monochrome decoration.
Below are some examples and price guides of polychrome antiques decorated with butterflies including a Bristol glass vase and a Qianlong snuff bottle.
Bristol Glass Hand Painted Vase,
England, 19th century,
light grey ground with polychrome enamel decorated birds, butterflies and flowers, ht. 16 1/4 in.
Sold for Sold for US$204 inc. premium at Bonham’s in 2022
Set of Eight Edward F. Bodley Aesthetic Movement Gilt and Polychrome Decorated Porcelain Dessert Plates
Circa 1880-90
In the Japanesque style, variously decorated with flowers and butterflies in flight, against an ivory colored ground.
Diameter 9 1/4 inches.
Sold for $756 (includes buyer’s premium) at Doyle in 2022
A RARE ‘TWO BOY’ QIANLONG SNUFF BOTTLE
Chinese, Qing Dynasty, polychrome enameled porcelain. In the figural form of two young boys climbing a vine wrapped boulder above a butterfly, the underside having an iron red, four-character Qianlong reign mark to underside.
Bottle: 1 7/8 in. (4.76 cm.)
35 grams
Sold for US$100 at Selkirk Auctioneers & Appraisers in 2023
An antique Japanese Meiji Era brass and enamel vase. Circa: early 20th century. The baluster form vase is enameled with polychrome images of blossoming flowers and plants, and butterflies made in the Cloisonne technique on a black ground. Marked with an impressed stamp with Hieroglyphs on the bottom.
Sold for US$200 at Antique Arena Inc. in 2023
Antique Chinese porcelain planter decorated with polychrome enameled depictions of butterflies among flowers over a peach toned ground, completed by light blue and pink arch patterns in a band around the rim and foot.
Red character markings at the underside.
CIRCA: Early to Mid 20th Century
ORIGIN: China
DIMENSIONS: H: 11.75″ D: 14.5″
Sold for US$650 at Akiba Galleries in 2022
