The Weekend Design

Cloisonne

I received a miniature cloinsonne vase from one of my sweet sisters (I have 5 incredible sisters) and found the "happy" the perfect prompt to give us a tutorial on the medium. Cloisonne is an artform that dates back to the the Yuan Dynasty (1271 to 1368) in China. Although there were variations of this medium dating back to the 1800 B.C. in Egypt, the cloisonne we often see today is derived from the Chinese. The smooth design is a result of a process of steps, both labor-intensive and tedious. Interestly enough, "cloisonne" is a French word with its origins in the late 19th century. It describes both the process, as well as the finished product, i.e. it is both an adjective and a noun. For example,

Q: How was that piece created? A: Cloisonne.

Q: What style is that table? A: Cloisonne.

The process begins with a copper base which is shaped into the appropriate form: a plate, vase, pot, or piece of jewelry. The desired pattern is created by arranging thin copper wires which are glued to the copper base. After the design is completed, the wires are "filled in" with enamel that is then fired in a kiln. For particular results, the piece may be fired several times. The finished product is smooth and stunning.

I particularly like to mix cloisonne pieces amidst both traditional and modern furniture. Cloisonne pieces are fabulous accents to furniture influenced by other periods and other cultures. You certainly don't need a room full of Chinese period pieces to incorporate this beautiful motif into your own design!