Cloisonné Beads

Cloisonné, as a distinctive art form developed in Beijing, China in the 13th century during the Yuan Dynasty. It has now grown to be one of China's number one exports and is the pinnacle of traditional Chinese handicraft.

The making of Cloisonné Beads is an elaborate, complicated, multi-step process that begins with the outlining on the metal form (bead) using a metal wire (usually copper). The wire is pinched and cruved into delicate filligree patterns of flowers or other designs. It is this step that forms the framework for the rest of the design process. The beads are then heated to permantely affix the metal oulining to the surface. Next the space between the wires is filled with enamel and again heated to affix the enamel to the bead surface. This process is often repeated numerous times until the metal forms are filled. The surface is then polished until smooth. The last step is the gilding process. The metal frame that outlined the design is covered with a thin layer of gold and polished one final time.
 

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