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“MUDDY” CLOISONNÉ

photo “Muddy” cloisonné

Description

An opaque cloisonné that looks like matte mud.
Brass wire instead of silver wire is used to create partitions between the different colored enamel.

Process

  • 1.The design is drawn on paper.
  • 2.Brass wire is attached to the surface of the piece.
  • 3.The vessel and brass wires are powdered with enamel flux.
  • 4.The flux turns transparent when fired.
  • 5.Colored enamel is laid into the piece.
  • 6.Once the enamel has been laid, the piece is fired for 3 minutes at 830℃.
  • 7.The cracks are a characteristic of “muddy” enamel. The white lead in the enamel produces an oxide patina on the brass wiring.
  • 8.The gaps are laid with new enamel, building up the layers.
  • 9.The process is repeated until the gaps disappear completely. The piece is polished and finished.