Cloisonné
Cloisonné is a famous traditional enamel ware, known as the 'blue of Jingtai' in china, with a history of over 600 years during Ming dynasty. it was so called 'blue' was the typical color used for enameling and 'Jingtai' was the reign title of the 7th Ming emperor. enamel ware became very popular during the emperor's reign, which is the technique of creating designs on metal vessels with colored-glass paste placed within enclosures made of copper or bronze wires, which have been bent or hammered into the desired pattern. Enamel is a layer of glass melted onto a surface. Craftsmen may apply many thin layers of enamel with embedded material firing each layer to coat an object.
The vessel is usually fired at a relatively low temperature, about 900°C. Enamels commonly shrink after firing, Cloisonné manufacture is difficult . comprehensive and sophisticated, which is mainly classified as 4 steps:
Making for model of body: The material used for making the body is copper, because copper is easily hammered and stretched. this step requires a sound judgement in shaping and uniformity of thickness and weight.
Filigree Welding: This step requires great care and high creativeness. the artisan adheres copper strips onto the body. these strips are of 1/16 inch in diameter and of lengths as the artisan desires. In filigree welding the artist pinches and curves copper filigree into delicate flower patterns, pasting them onto the copper molds.
Enamel Filling: Through this interesting procedure, the cloisonne wears a colored wrap. Handicrafts specialists fill enamel glaze into lattices formed by fine-spun filigrees, then take the object out and repeat the process three or four times until its surface becomes smooth.
Polishing: The first polish is with energy. its aim is to make the filigree and the filled compartments even, the whole piece is again put to fire. polish once more with a whet stone.
Today this technique is connected with the sculpture of Jade, ivory and lacquer. Cloisonné art is exported to many countries as a favorite medium for ornaments.
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