Cloisonné involves applying enamel onto a metal object. Thin, delicate metal strips of gold, silver, copper or brass are soldered to a metal object, outlining the design. The spaces created by the wire are then filled with vitreous enamel paste. The object is then fired, ground smooth and polished. The French term cloisonné derives from the name cloisons for the small spaces created by the shaping of the metal wire. Cloisonné is an ancient technique, with examples dating as early as the 13th century BCE. This enamel technique is found in both Europe and Asia. Early Chinese cloisonné pieces are highly prized but rare. So when an early Chinese example appears on the market, there is strong competition for the object. Japanese cloisonné also appears regularly in the market, again with variable prices, with more common pieces fetching lower prices than rarer signed pieces. As always, provenance and research are essential for any collector.
Ewer. Chinese, 1550-1600, cloisonné enamel on copper. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, Great Britain
Small table top ice chest. Beijing, China. 1736-1795. Cloisonné enamel on copper with gilding. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, Great Britain.
Vase, Nagoya, Japan. 1880-1890. Artist: Kodenji, Hayashi. Copper body with silver rim and base, interior with silver gilt. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, Great Britain.
Vase. Kyoto, Japan. 1900-1910. Artist: Namikawa Yasuyuki (1845-1927). Victoria and Albert Museum, London, Great Britain
Panagia, Russian. 18th century. Brass and copper, with cloisonné enamel and jewels. Victoria and Albert Museum, London, Great Britain