Category:Cloisonné

Cloisonné is an ancient technique for decorating metalwork objects, in recent centuries using vitreous enamel, and in older periods also inlays of cut gemstones, glass, and other materials. The resulting objects can also be called cloisonné. The decoration is formed by first adding compartments (cloisons in French) to the metal object by soldering or glueing silver or gold wires or thin strips placed on their edges. These remain visible in the finished piece, separating the different compartments of the enamel or inlays, which are often of several colors. Cloisonné enamel objects are worked on with enamel powder made into a paste, which then needs to be fired in a kiln.

Derivated from this technique, in late 19th century, some glass maker developed the cloisoneé glass, a complex technique with brighting results. Discovered by the french painter Amédée Navarein and developed by Theophil Pfister (USA) and Emil Barthels (Germany) under "The glass cloisonné Co." denomination, in London. Beside this company, just some art nouveau artists created cloisoneé glasses, as Frederic Vidal in Catalonia, John La Farge in USA or Luigi Fontana in Italy. Because of conservation difficulties, just a few number of pieces have survived.