RED HOT GLASS NEWSLETTER
- alisonvelvin
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
June 2025
The Cloisonne Editions
Part 1 - What is Cloisonne
The term “cloisonné” comes from the French word cloison, meaning “partition” or “compartment.” Making cloisonné jewellery is very detailed and precise. First, I must shape and solder thin metal wires into compartments on a metal base in line with the design that I have created. These compartments are then filled with enamel powder, which is made from crushed glass and minerals. The piece is fired in a kiln at high temperatures, melting the enamel and fusing it to metal. After I have fired the piece several times, I polish the service a number of times creating the a smooth, glossy finish. This craftsmanship and effort makes cloisonné jewellery so unique and fascinating.
Early examples have been found in Egypt, Greece, and Byzantium. Cloisonné spread to China around the 13th or 14th century, The Chinese perfected the technique, using it to decorate jewellery, vases, and even large objects like incense burners.
In the 17th century, cloisonné made its way to Japan, where artisans refined the technique further. Japanese cloisonné developed a distinct style, often featuring delicate floral or nature-inspired motifs.
The samurai had for centuries commissioned fine decoration for the fittings of their swords, especially their sword-guards. A former samurai, Kaji Tsunekichi , led the renaissance of Japanese cloisonné manufacture. In the nineteenth century samurai were banned from carrying swords, and Tsunekichi needed to find methods of supplementing his income. Over many years he worked on refining his technique and by the end of the 1850s he took on pupils and by the end of that decade he was appointed official cloisonné-maker to a regional warlord.
Rudyard Kipling was one that was fascinated by the cloisonné process he witnessed in Japan: ‘It is one thing to read of cloisonné making, but quite another to watch it being made.” He was especially fascinated by the amount of work involved in finishing products. “I saw a man who had only been a month over the polishing of one little vase five inches high. He would go on for two months.’ Kipling wrote in Sea to Sea & Other Sketches, Letters of Travel in 1889.
European craftsmen also embraced cloisonné, particularly during the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements. French, Russian, and Viennese jewellers experimented with the technique, creating intricate brooches, pendants, and other accessories. In Russia, the House of Fabergé used cloisonné enamel in their luxurious, jewel-encrusted eggs and other decorative items.
Upcoming Exhibition
I will be having an exhibition of my cloisonne artwork at Tyto Regional Gallery in Mcilwraith St, Ingham, North Queensland until the end of June 2025.
The exhibition will feature over thirty of my cloisonne pendants, earrings and brooches that I have created especially for this event.
The Gallery is open daily from 10am to 4pm.
0424297618
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