Cloisonn Beads

Cloisonn is a distinctive art form that was developed in China in the 13th century, and it has grown to be one of China's number one exports. The making of cloisonn requires several processes: hammering, wire inlay, soldering, enamel-filling, enamel-firing, polishing, and gilding. The wire work in Cloisonn beads can be flush with the enamel or it can be raised to create a 3-dimensional look. The wire can also be twisted to add more interest.


Round Light Blue Butterfly Cloisonn Bead

Cloisonn beads are created by soldering thin metal wire partitions to a base bead to act as a color separator. A powdered colored glass paste is then painted between the partitions. After a firing and polishing process, the bead is electroplated with a gold or silver film, and a beautiful bead is born.


Oval Blue/Pink/Yellow Flower Cloisonn Bead

The Process

• The artist forms delicate strips of metal-copper, bronze, or silver-to create a design. The bends are all done at right angles, so the wire doesn't curl up. This is done with small pliers, tweezers, and custom made jigs. The cloisonn wire pattern may consist of several intricately constructed wire patterns that fit together into a larger design.
• The wire pattern is soldered to the metal base. Using an alternative technique, the base is covered with a thin layer of clear enamel, then fired in a kiln. The cloisonn wire is then glued to the enamel surface with gum. When the gum has dried, the piece is fired again to fuse the cloisonn wire to the clear enamel. The gum burns off, leaving no residue.
• The artist then drops colored enamels inside the partitions of the wire pattern, similar to the paint-by-numbers technique. Various colors and transparencies can be used within the same partition to obtain the desired appearance.
• After the enamel has dried, the artist fires the piece in a kiln, which melts the enamel onto the base. Several firings may be necessary in order to build up the coatings to the height of the partitions.
• The exposed metal is electroplated with a thin film of gold or silver to provide shine and prevent corrosion.
• Finally, the bead is fired and polished several times to enhance the bright colors, and to produce the desired effect.
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  SOURCES
  Cloisonn Beads
  Wikipedia: Cloisonn
  Cloisonn Beading Process
  

See full article.

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