CLOISONNE

~ Guide to Beautiful Works of Enamel and Wire Art ~

The term Cloisonne comes from the French word meaning * to partition * or *compartmentalize *

Complex multi step Cloisonne may have originated in Ancient times in the Near East - in Cyprus - or before 18OO B.C. in Egypt, was first made in Bejing China during the 12OOs, and has also been created in Japan and France

The Cloisonne Process:

1) A metal box or vase or bowl (or other form) is first created by the artist.

2) The artist prepares the piece by drawing intricate patterns on the surface.

3) Very thin metal wire or filaments are carefully attached to the metal surface following the tiny patterns - in particular planned designs. 

4) The piece is then placed in an oven to fuse the metal filaments to the form - and is cooled for the next procedure.

5) Specific colors of glass frit or enamel (in paste form) are then skillfully and painstakingly placed/applied within these miniature wire designs to create specific desired scenes and pleasing color combinations - and are left to dry.

6) When the time-consuming artistic enamel application and drying process is complete - the piece is placed in a kiln/oven to heat the enamel, thus fusing it to the metal components.  Heating gives the enamel beautiful incandescence and makes the designs permanent.

Often - numbers 5 and 6 - are repeated numerous times to achieve the desired effects, heating and cooling after each application.

7) After the piece cools it is skillfully and carefully ground and polished to give it a wonderful sheen.

8) Sometimes the metal is electroplated with gold or silver to protect it.

Here are some wonderful examples of Cloisonne:

Magnificent Pair of Blue Vases with Glorious Blossoms

Stunning Inaba Japanese Hinged Music Box with Brilliant Flowers

Richly Hued Chinese small Dish with Lovely Blossoms

Incredible Japanese Inaba Box with Beautiful Birds, Rocks and Flowers

Very Desirable Cobalt Blue Japanese Box with Butterfly and Flowers - probably Ando

Vibrant Cloisonne Box with Boldly Artistic Vases Filled with Flowers

Very Pretty Vintage Chinese Pendant

Exquisite Pigeon Blood Japanese Vase

Please check my store often for Superb Quality Cloisonne Pieces.  Click Below:

The Winged Phoenix - Cloisonne

A KNOWLEDGEABLE BUYER IS A SMART BUYER

Copyright 2006 2007 2008 The Winged Phoenix