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Cloisonne
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Cloisonne
is a unique art form that originated in Beijing during the Yuan
Dynasty (1271 - 1368).
In the period titled 'Jingtai' 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; their favorite called 'Jingtai Blue'.
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:
Model hammering: The process is to form copper pieces into various
shapes with a hammer according to a design, joining them under
high temperature.
Filigree welding: In filigree welding the artist pinches and
curves copper filigree into delicate flower patterns, pasting
them onto the copper molds. Possibly the most challenging step
of the procedure, heating to 900 degrees centigrade, firms the
metal.
Enamel filling: Through this interesting procedure, the cloisonne
wears a colored wrap. Handicrafts specialists fill enamel glaze
into lattices formed by fine-spun filigrees. Just one filling
is not enough - the filigrees extrude, and the surface is dull.
They have to fuse powdery glaze in the smelter at 800 degrees
centigrade, then take the object out and repeat the process
three or four times until its surface becomes smooth.
Surface polishing: Seeking smooth surfaces, artisans polish
articles three times with grit or charcoal. The work requires
extreme care.
Gilding: After acid pickling, fluid gold adds elegance and civility
to a cloisonne piece.
Today cloisonne technique is associated with the sculpture of
wood, jade, ivory and lacquer. Cloisonne art is exported to
many countries as a favorite medium for ornaments. >> examples >>
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