Enamel jewelry crafted from Jingtailan, a beauty that has lasted for thousands of years!

The Craft and Production Process of Cloisonne

Cloisonne, also known as copper-wire enamel, is a kind of enamel craft. It is famous for its intricate and splendid craftsmanship, with every detail reflecting the traditional beauty of China.

The production process of cloisonne is quite complex. Firstly, copper is used as the base material, and fine copper wires are made into various patterns, which are then pinched, soldered, and glued onto the base. Next, enamel glaze is applied to the base. Finally, after multiple processes such as firing, polishing, and gold plating, a perfect cloisonne artwork can be completed. Each step requires careful and precise craftsmanship.

The Origin of the Name of Cloisonne

The name 'cloisonne' comes from the reign of Jingtai during the Ming Dynasty (1450-1457 AD). The Jingtai reign refers to the reign of Emperor Zhu Qiyu of the Ming Dynasty. During the Jingtai period, cloisonne was widely circulated and matured. The cloisonne works made during this period were mainly blue in color, hence the name 'cloisonne'. Although cloisonne now comes in various colors, we still use this name to pay tribute to the ancient craftsmen.

The Intangible Cultural Heritage Status of Cloisonne

Jingtailan, as one of the traditional handicrafts in China, has a history of over 600 years. Initially, Jingtailan belonged to the court art and was regarded as precious possessions. Many ceremonial and sacrificial vessels were made of Jingtailan to demonstrate imperial power and dignity. In addition, Jingtailan is also one of the Eight Wonders of Yanjing and was included in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage list in 2006.

The Price of Jingtailan

Due to the various shapes and patterns of Jingtailan, it is difficult to determine its price. In places like the Forbidden City and other museums, antique Jingtailan has been classified as cultural relics and cannot be measured by market value. In private studios, the prices of some Jingtailan works start from a few hundred yuan. I also have Jingtailan products available for purchase at a few yuan.