Chinese Cloisonne

Cloisonne is a traditinal unique handcraft in Beijing, which was a long history. Some of the earliest products were traced back to the Yuan dynasty. Most famous for its advancements in the art during the ming period between 1450 and 1456, when craftsmen discovered the blue glaze that has been prized in the elegant and exquisite artworks of the period, and is commonly used now. Cloisonne refers to a decorative enamelware which involves attaching metal strips to an object. The body making is the first step, and is usually metal and sculpted, such as a vase or bracelet.

The second step involves filigree soldering, or melding the metal strips in an artistic design. Cloisonne is also referred to as inlaid enamel, combining porcelain and bronze in its design. China is most famous for its blue enamel, the "blue of Jingtai" from the rule of the 7th ming Emperor around 500 years ago. Enamel ware, especially this blue colour, became popular during the Emperor Jingtai's reign. Whilst making cloisonne, use the red copper colour to create the body, the stick the pattern on the body of the bronze.

This is done with lengthened ad flattened thin brass wires. Then the interior pattern is filled in with enamel glaze in various colours, before finally firing the object several times. The last stage includes polishing and gilding after the object has been fired. Cloisonne can be used with porcelain crafts as well as bronze, as well as including traditional and carving techniques that have been used throughout history. In this sense, Cloisonne is a combination of several different traditional arts.