CHINESE CLOISONNE
Cloisonne is the art of applying enamels of all colors to the surface of a metal object, which is then fired to become a beautiful work of art. This technique reached its perfection as a result of the efforts of Chinese artisans. Chinese cloisonne is the standard by which the quality and beauty of cloisonne is measured worldwide.
Cloisonne is an art form that originated in Beijing during the Yuan Dynasty (1271 – 1368). During the Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644), the emperor who was very much interested in bronze-casting techniques, improved the color process, and created the bright blue that appealed to the Oriental aesthetic sense. After a processing breakthrough, most articles for his daily use were made of cloisonne; in time cloisonne became popular among the common people. During the reigns of Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1911), cloisonne improved and reached its artistic summit. Colors were more delicate, filigrees more flexible and fluent, and scope was enlarged beyond the sacrifice-process wares into snuff bottles, folding screens, incense burners, tables, chairs, chopsticks, and bowls.
Cloisonne manufacture is comprehensive and sophisticated, combining the techniques of making bronze and porcelain ware, as well as those of traditional painting and sculpture. The process encompasses many steps. First, the artist forms metal (such as copper, bronze, or silver) into the shape of the finished object. The material usually used for making the body is copper, for it is easily hammered and stretched. Next comes the filigree soldering, which is pure silver wire (usually about .010 x .040 inches in cross section) bent into shapes that define the colored areas. The bends are all done at right angles, so that wire does not curve up. This is done with small pliers, tweezers, and custom made jigs. The cloisonne wire pattern may consist of several intricately constructed wire patterns that fit together into a larger design. Solder can be used to join the wires, but it causes the enamel to discolor and form bubbles later on. Instead the base metal is fired with a thin layer of clear enamel. The cloisonne wire is glued to the enamel surface with gum Tragacanth. When the gum Tragacanth has dried the piece is fired again to fuse the cloisonne wire to the clear enamel. The gum Tragacanth burns off leaving no residue.
 | US $125.00 End Date: Saturday Sep-04-2010 0:35:52 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $125.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
 | US $595.00 End Date: Saturday Sep-04-2010 0:58:21 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $595.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
 | US $19.49 (11 Bids) End Date: Saturday Sep-04-2010 1:58:11 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
 | US $299.99 End Date: Saturday Sep-04-2010 3:24:02 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $299.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Next comes the enamel filling. The basic elements of enamel are boric acid, saltpeter and alkaline. Due to the difference in the minerals added, the color differs accordingly. Usually one with much iron will turn grey, with uranium, yellow, with chromium, green, with zinc, white, with bronze, blue, with gold or iodine, red. In time of filling, all the colors, ground beforehand into minute powder and contained in plates, are placed in front of the workers and are then applied to the little compartments separated by filigree. After the compartments have been filled, the enamel is fired. The enamel in the little compartment will sink down a bit after firing. That will require a refilling. This process will go on repeatedly until the little compartments are finally filled.
The fired piece is then polished. Pieces of hard carbon are used for polishing so as to obtain some luster on the surface of the article. Lastly, the polished piece must be gilded. The article is placed in a fluid bath of gold or silver. The exposed parts of the filigree and the metal fringes of the article will be smoothly and evenly gilded. The exposed metal is electroplated with a thin film of gold to prevent corrosion and to give a pleasing appearance.
Examples of cloisonne art, such as jewelry, snuff bottles, bowls and other decorative pieces, may be found at antique shops, shows and on-line auction sites.
Leave a Reply