The Beauty of Enamel: The Laying of an Enduring Legend.

I. Introduction

Cloisonné, a craft made by filling and firing enamel glaze on a metal base, is famous for its characteristics akin to ancient jade's warmth and smoothness, brocade's richness, and the natural liveliness of Song dynasty porcelain. Although its true name should be "copper wire cloisonné enamel," it became commonly known as Cloisonné because the craft reached maturity and was prevalent during the Ming dynasty's Jingtai period, and the representative color of the works is blue.

II. The Origin of Cloisonné

According to historical research, Jingdezhen enamel, also known as "Jingtai Blue," was a type of craftsmanship introduced to China during the Yuan Dynasty from foreign countries. The technique of copper-based enamel with cloisonné, or wire inlay, originated in the West Asian region and later spread to China. Although it was not initially called "Jingdezhen enamel," during the Jingtai period of the Ming Dynasty, the production technique of Jingdezhen enamel became prevalent, and the representative color of the artworks was an elegant and magnificent blue. As a result, it became known as "Jingtai Blue."

III. Characteristics of Cloisonné

Cloisonné making is fine and unique, its craftsmanship requires millions of copper wires to outline, millions of brush strokes to dye, and millions of furnace fires to temper. Such meticulous craftsmanship makes Cloisonné a rare treasure, showcasing the beauty of Chinese craftsmanship. Its vibrant colors and poetic patterns make each piece unique and full of splendid brilliance.

4. The development of Cloisonné

Although Cloisonné is represented by blue, its colors are not limited to blue. With the passage of time, the craftsmanship of Cloisonné has been continuously developing and innovating. From traditional blue to various rich and colorful colors, modern Cloisonné has become an art form that combines traditional and modern elements. Intangible cultural heritage inheritors are using their wisdom and efforts to protect and inherit this technique, presenting a new artistic style.

5. Conclusion

Cloisonne is the representative of the beauty of Chinese craftsmanship. Its production process has gone through countless fires and artistic processing, finally creating precious artworks. Whether as a cultural heritage or an artwork, cloisonne carries rich history and cultural connotations. Whether it is the ancient Jingtai period or today's intangible cultural heritage inheritors, they are striving to carry forward this traditional craft and continue the legend of cloisonne.