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Beijing - May 18, 2006
Cloisonné Factory
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Cloisonné 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 cloisonné; in time
cloisonné became popular among the common people; their favorite
called 'Jingtai Blue'. It is said that cloisonné can be
preserved for 100 years without fading because it is derived
from mineral ore For more information on the Cloisonné, click the following link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloisonne. |
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 Main entrance to the cloisonné factory. |
 Many pieces are several feet tall and rich with intricate colors. |
 An artisan first shapes a copper pot, vase, or bowl. |
 The design is then traced on the piece. |
 The partitions (French: cloisons) are glued to the piece. |
 These form a raised divider in which color will be added. |
 The piece is then fired bonding the partitions. |
 Several layers of firt (crushed glass with color) is added. |
 Up to seven layers of color make up an average piece. |
 The piece is ground and then polished to a high gloss. |
 Upon completion, you have a beautiful piece of art, no two of which are exactly alike. |
 Some examples of the intricate detail in many pieces. This was one of the most fascinating places we visited. Not only were the pieces beautifully designed, but the amount of time spent making these works of are was impressive. |
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