Cloisonne gets its name from the metal “cloisons,” French for “partitions,” that are filled with enamel, creating the multicolor designs. Despite the French name, the technique has been used in many parts of the world. It was revolutionized in Japan in the 19th century, when artist Kaji Tsunekichi, working as a metal gilder to supplement the stipend he received as a former samurai, deconstructed a piece of Chinese cloisonne to develop his own techniques. He soon began training other artists in cloisonne, which exploded in popularity in Japan, where it was called shippo.

Many regional styles were developed, and many regions and artists had their own workshops. Japanese cloisonne gained worldwide recognition when the Nagoya Company won first prize at the Vienna Exhibition of 1873, furthering its popularity and production. Workshops made everything from vases to trays to cigarette cases.

Generally, Japanese cloisonne features a single central motif or scenic design, instead of the stylized repeating patterns popular in other countries. Nature and mythology are frequent sources of inspiration. A small cloisonne box, measuring 3 1/2 inches wide and 2 inches tall, with a colorful bird and flowers on a yellow background with green geometric trim, sold for $132 at Richard Opfer Auctioneering, Inc. It was made by the Inaba Company, which was established in Kyoto in the 1880s.

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Q: When, if ever, is it a good idea to refinish antique furniture? I have a chest that I believe is from about 1910, and the finish has cracks and blotches all over. Is this considered patina or damage? Does it take away from the value? Will it lower the value to have it refinished?

A: It sounds like the finish on your chest has gone through what some collectors call “alligatoring.” It looks cracked and bumpy like alligator skin, and it happens to some finishes with age and sunlight exposure. Some collectors like it and consider it part of the character of an antique. Others don’t and see it as damage.

In general, furniture from the 20th century or later, even from the early 20th century like your chest, will not lose much, if any, value if it is refinished, unless it is handmade or by a famous maker. As a general rule, refinishing lowers the value of antique furniture from the 18th century or earlier, if it is by a famous maker, or if it is handmade. Original finish, even with damage, is also desirable for some pieces with a rustic or “country” look.

By about 1900, inexpensive furniture was being mass-produced in factories. Most of the furniture from this time period on the market consists of these factory-made pieces and has relatively low resale value. You may want to do some research on your chest to see whether this is the case. If so, whether you refinish it is up to you and will have little effect on its value.

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TIP: You can cover up a small chip in an enamel or even a piece of porcelain with a bit of colored nail polish. It comes in almost every color now.

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Kovels answers readers’ questions sent to the column. Send a letter with one question describing the size, material (glass, pottery) and what you know about the item. Include only two pictures: the object and a close-up of any marks or damage. Be sure your name and return address are included. By sending a question, you give full permission for use in any Kovel product. Names, addresses or email addresses will not be published. We do not guarantee the return of photographs, but if a stamped envelope is included, we will try. Questions that are answered will appear in Kovels Publications. Write to Kovels, (Name of this newspaper), King Features Syndicate, 300 W. 57th Street, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10019, or email us at collectorsgallery@kovels.com.

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CURRENT PRICES

Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.

Toy, tractor, model, Case International, no. 3294, red, black, plastic, die cast, Ertl, 1985, 11 inches, $25.

Roseville, Freesia, console, oval, green ground, yellow and purple raised flowers, shaped rim, pierced handles, 16 inches, $35.

Jewelry, bracelet, bangle, pierced filigree scrolls, rhinestones, green paste bars, silvertone, art deco, 2 1/2 inches, $85.

Furniture, mirror, Rococo style, gilt bronze frame, allover pierced leafy scrolls, mask crest, two candleholders, marked, P.E. Guerin, N.Y., 19th century, 13 inches, $160.

Hawkes, cocktail, Gladys, cut glass bowl, flared lip, emerald green stem and foot, 4 1/2 inches, $240.

Advertising, illustration, St. Patrick’s Day Beer, man holding glass, smiling, wearing green hat with buckle, oil on canvas, frame, mid-20th century, 20 x 33 inches, $315.

Furniture, buffet, Louis XV style, oak, carved, leafy scrolled crest, shelf with cabriole legs over mirror backsplash, two drawers over two doors over open shelf, France, 84 x 38 inches, $320.