Cloisonné is the French word for the artistic enameling technique in which a metal surface (usually copper or brass) is artfully subdivided with metal wires or strips to create small fields—each holding a different color of enamel. Glass powder is blended into a paste and applied to each field (called a "cloison") following the designer's color plan. Once the colored pastes are applied, the piece is fired in a kiln (to melt, that is "vitrify," the glass powder into enamel). Once the piece has cooled, it is polished to create a smooth, lustrous surface. In some cases, whole gemstones were cut-to-fit and inserted into the fields. But the use of glass enameling was a quicker, less costly way of achieving an impressive effect.
Cloisonné is an ancient technique, at least 5,000 years old. It was practiced by the Mesopotamians, Egyptians and Greeks. Its use spread through Byzantium, the Islamic world, and throughout Medieval Europe. In the 1400's, cloisonné was introduced to China by early traders.
The Chinese cloisonné dresser box, shown here, was made between the World Wars. It has elements of Chinese design and Art Nouveau (Secessionist) references. The butterfly-like botanicals have a delicate, Nouveau flavor. And the tiny swirls of brass wire form a Secessionist starscape across the blue background. The handsome fretwork which rings the edge of the cover is classic Chinese. Click on the photo above to learn more about this handsome box.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
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