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Cloisonne 景泰蓝

Cloisonne enamel techniques were brought to China from Persia during the Yuan Dynasty. The techniques were developed further in the Ming Dynasty and became widespread during the reign of seventh Ming Emperor Jingtai 景泰 (reigned 1449－1457) This is the origin of the Chinese name for cloisonne Jingtailan 景泰蓝, with lan 蓝 (blue) being the most common background color. The cloisonne items in the pictures below show this blue background color. To produce a cloisonne utensil, the artist first produces a copper roughcast, attaches some copper wires forming decorative patterns, adds enamel between the spaces in the wires, and then fires the item in a kiln.

铜胎鎏金插丝珐琅香炉 清（1644〜1911年）北京首都博物馆 Cloisonne enamel incense burner with gilded bronze body Qing (1644—1911), Capital Museum, Beijing

The design shown above is the luck character 吉 auspicious pattern 吉祥图案.

景泰蓝番莲纹香炉 清 乾隆（1735〜1796年）北京首都博物馆 Cloisonne incense burner with granadilla design Qianlong Reign, Qing (1735—1796), Capital Museum, Beijing

The design on the cup shown below is the long life character 寿 auspicious pattern.

珐琅寿葵花式杯 清 乾隆（1735〜1796年）北京首都博物馆 Enamel cup with long life and sunflower designs Qianlong Reign, Qing (1735—1796), Capital Museum, Beijing

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