Pair of Chinese Cloisonné Vases with Floral and Hummingbird Motifs, 1950s

Pair of Chinese vases with floral and hummingbird motifs, made in China in the 1950s

Ø cm 12 h cm 23

Cloisonné (pronounced “cloi-so-nay”) is an ancient and complex decorative technique commonly used in metalworking.

The term derives from the French word cloisons, meaning “dividers” or “compartments.” Thin strips of metal, or wires (originally gold or silver, but now often copper or brass), are soldered or attached to the surface of a metal object. These strips are bent to form the outline of a design, creating small compartments or cells. These compartments are then filled with colored material.

Historically, this material often consisted of cut gemstones, glass, or other inlays. In later centuries and in modern practice, the compartments are filled with vitreous enamel (a paste made from powdered glass). The object is repeatedly fired in a kiln to melt and harden the enamel. After firing, the surface is smoothed and often polished, leaving the metal wires that define the design visible.

The cloisonné technique originated in the ancient Near East and spread across many cultures: it dates back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt (before 1800 BC). Early examples of enamel and metal wires were discovered in Mycenaean tombs in Cyprus (13th century BC). The technique reached China (where it is known as Jingtai Lan, or “Jingtai Blue”) around the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) and reached its peak during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties. Chinese cloisonné often features vivid colors and intricate designs on decorative objects such as vases and incense burners.