CLOISONNE KYOTO JAPAN (1600-1860)

Kyoto,an ancient city in Japan,was the capital of the country for 1.100 years until about 120 years ago.There in the old city the art of making 'Cloisonne' ware has been kept for many years.The japanese word for Cloisonne ware is Shippo or Seven Treasured ware.Originally the ware was done by inlaying seven different percious treasures such as Sapphires,Emeralds,Corals,Jades,Cobalts,Crystals and Pearls,etc.,and these were mounted in gold and silver.In the created process enamels take the place of these precious stones.Cloisonne making was originated in Central Asia.the art came to Japan with Buddhism in about 538,and was developed to the present style in the Edo period (1600 - 1860).

Every piece of Cloisonne ware is made by hand by skilled craftmen,in the following process:

1. Foundation - copper,silver or gold.

2. Drowing design on the foundation,

3. Wires affixed on the design,stuck by glue temporarily,

4. Solder enamel flux is dropped in,

5. First baking for soldering wires,

6. First coating of enamels,

7. Second baking at about 850 degree C,

8. Second coating of enamels,

9. Third baking,

10. Third coating of enamels,

11. Fourth baking,by this time enamels get thick enough to cover all wires,

12. Polishing by 9 different whetstones.

13. Finishing and trimming done with silver and or gold.

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