Cloisonné, the ancient Asian art of enamelware, dates back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). Cloisonné is the decorative art of applying enamel of all colors to the surface of a copper or bronze object, which is then fired to become a bright and colorful work of art. 

It is believed that missionaries passed cloisonné enameling onto China from central Asia. Once the skill of manufacturing enamel products was mastered, the Chinese constantly improved and enhanced the technique, making it distinctly Chinese art. During the mid-15th century reign of Ming Emperor Ching T’ai, cloisonné production was extremely prosperous—many cloisonné works of the most delicate quality were produced.  These works were fused with a kind of special blue enamel as the base color, hence the term for cloisonné in Chinese: ching-t’ai-lan.

China possessed excellent conditions for developing cloisonné-enameling art—it already had metallurgical technology, such as bronze casting; glass and glaze production techniques, and the knowledge of accurately controlling firing temperature.  Cloisonné also has properties that are a part of the Chinese love of beauty. For instance enamel is as soft and smooth as jade, as glittering as jewelry, and as delicate as china.

The production of cloisonné was a long and tedious process of developing the design by soldering brass wires to the surface of a copper object, then according to the requirements of the pattern, colored enamels were filled in. After the spaces delineated by brass wires on the copper object were filled in with enamel paste, the object was fired. After every firing, the enamel contracts, producing an uneven surface.  It was then necessary to fill in the uneven places with enamel of the same color many times over until every filled-in space became thoroughly smooth.  Only then was the firing process complete.

After firing, the surface of the object was polished smooth so that the soldered brass wire pattern and the enamel substance were melded into one.  The last step was to goldplate the exposed brass wires between the pattern as well as the rim and the bottom of the object.

An exquisite piece of cloisonné must have colors that are moist and glossy, fresh and bright, a body that is substantive and sturdy, a wire inlay that is neat and well-proportioned, and gold plating that glitters. Its delicate appearance and splendid patterns should emit classical warmth that rivets the gaze.

In recent years, this kind of traditional artwork has once again drawn public notice and is highly valued. Many artisans are now using modern machines and industrial technologies, and fusing them with artistic creativity, to produce a variety of cloisonné ornaments, art works, and household utensils that are elegant beyond compare. This allows the integration of these kinds of traditional art works into our modern daily lives. Cloisonné art enriches and embellishes our homes, and is beautiful and loved as ornamental jewelry.

Mau-U Imports has many examples of cloisonné from which to choose.  Our experts will be happy to show you various articles that incorporate this art form and answer any questions you may have. We have just received a huge collection of showroom samples from the Bejing Arts and Crafts Import/Export Corporation. Many were made more than 20 years ago by master artisans and a few one-of-a-kind pieces date back to the 1930s.

Whether you select a beautiful piece of necklace, a custom-made lamp or an art object to decorate your home or office, you will possess a treasure that is sure to bring you years of enjoyment.