Capital is Cradle of Cloisonné

If youve been in China for any length of time, chances are you ll have had your head turned by a stunning example of cloisonné work.

But how many of us have paused for a moment to think about the painstaking process behind these exquisite creations?

Cloisonné is a delicate enamel-based craft in which metal elements are fused to the surface of an object, typically to the outline of a design that is filled in with enamel paste. The distinctive word comes from a French word meaning 'to partition'.

Cloisonné, originated in the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). It was one of the eight imperial arts which was characterized by extremely complicated craftwork. An indispensable series of processes is fundamental to these eye-catching creations which have grown in appeal down the years and become eminently collectable into the bargain. The beauty for anyone living in Beijing is that it's still possible to watch them being created today.

Base-hammering

As copper is easily hammered and stretched, it is used to make the body of cloisonn.

Filigree Soldering

To some extent, the second step is similar to embroidery, as both require great care and high creativity. The only difference is that instead of embroidering on silk, the cloisonné craftsmen stick copper strips onto the copper body.

Enamel Filling

The colours of cloisonné will change if different minerals are added. Generally speaking, cloisonné using a lot of iron will turn grey; with uranium, yellow; with chromium, green; with bronze, blue; with zinc, white; with gold or iodine, red. After ores are grinded into fine powder and contained in plates, workers apply them to the small compartments separated by filigrees.

Enamel Firing

Craftsmen place the piece into the crucible and soon the copper body will turn red. Repeated re-filling of the enamel is needed during the period of firing.

Polishing

After repeated polishing, a piece of hard carbon is required to add lustre to the surface of the cloisonné.

Gilding

Finally, place the article in gold or silver fluid charged with an electric current so as to keep the cloisonné rust-free. A slight polish is required for the exposed parts of the filigree and the metal fringes of the item.

Experts say an exquisite cloisonné should have rich patterns, a substantive and sturdy body, a neat and well-proportioned metal wire inlay as well as glittering gold plating.

Readers wanting to browse examples of the finished product or who would like watch this fascinating production process should check out Baigongfang.