The history of cloisonne

Cloisonne has gone through five development periods, namely, the enlightenment period (Tang Dynasty to Yuan Dynasty), the birth and development period (late Yuan Dynasty and early Ming Dynasty), the early prosperity period (Ming Dynasty), the middle prosperity period (Qing Dynasty) and the prosperous period (Chinese people and the Republic of China). Hard-working and intelligent craftsmen have created brilliant cloisonne culture with their hands. They first cast, and then developed to hammer the red copper into a tire shape with simple tools, knead it into various patterns by hand, fill all kinds of glazes with a small steel shovel, sinter the glazes on the copper tire welded with wires with torches, drive the axle with pedals, and polish it with sand charcoal. The ancient cloisonne art is exclusive to the royal family. It is a symbol of rights and a representative of status. In the palaces of the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace and the Imperial Home Forest, visitors can also see the few cloisonne art treasures left at that time. Nowadays, some cloisonne treasures from the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties are also circulated among the people.

An ancient cloisonne product, according to the current quality standards, is obviously different from the cloisonne products produced now. Now the products are obviously improved in silk weaving, blue weaving, polishing, appearance, polishing, accessories, sand holes and workmanship. At present, cloisonne is still operated by hand, and there are many processes up and down 100.

Generally speaking, the casting tires in the Ming Dynasty were heavier, and the modeling was mainly antique (other craft modeling). The glazes used are all natural mineral materials, and the cobalt blue glaze imported from West Asia is combined with the domestic cobalt blue glaze, which is deep in color, realistic and novel. At this time, the silk is thicker, and the gold-plated part is thicker. Most colored glazes have sand holes, especially near silk. There are "Daming Jingtai Year System" or "Jingtai Year System", with both bottom payment and side payment.

Cloisonne in the Qing Dynasty has been greatly improved compared with that in the Ming Dynasty, with slightly thinner tires, thinner cloisonne threads, brighter glaze and more varieties. The sand holes are obviously reduced. The pattern is complex and changeable, and the gold-plated part is thin, but the gold is beautiful.

During the Republic of China, the overall level was not as good as that of the previous generation, with thin tires, bright colors and rough workmanship. During this period, only Tianli and Dexing Cheng have fine workmanship and good quality. What antique bronze shapes, or imitation dried dragons. 1904, the "Baoding Furnace" made in Tian Li won the first prize at the Chicago World Expo (and then won the first prize again at the Panama World Expo in 19 15), which gained a great reputation in the world, and countries rushed to buy it, showing a prosperous scene.

Modern cloisonne technology is not what it used to be, with various shapes, varieties and exquisite craftsmanship. In addition, the masters of craftsmanship strive to innovate, which is mainly manifested in ① shaping novel shapes on the basis of history. ② Design an unprecedented theme, content and color. (3) Excavating traditional culture, reconstructing and reappearing with modern people's humanistic thinking and aesthetic taste, resulting in a "qualitative" leap. ④ It is widely integrated with sister art to give full play to the maximum potential of cloisonne. ⑤ Make full use of precious materials and combine their technological characteristics to improve artistic and economic values. ⑥ Exquisite craftsmanship is the most valuable aspect of handicrafts. Use high skills, high standards and perfect technology.