Set of 6 Copper Chinese Cloisonné Vases Various Stages of Cloisonné Production

Description: RARE - EDUCATIONAL - INTERESTING 6 Identical Copper Chinese Cloisonné Vases Show the Six Stages of Cloisonné Production. This set includes 6 Vases, Each 6 inches tall by 3 inches wide in stages of production. Package is heavy, wrapped well and insured. Includes the short History of Chinese Cloisonné, along with the extensive six steps needed to produce lovely, rare, Chinese Cloisonné pieces...Condition: No original display box, just one made with satin yellow material for base and cover. The first vase in this step is the thin copper and has areas where it bent. First vase used in making the body of the cloisonné is copper and it can be easily hammered and stretched, it bends easily. This piece is so thin that some areas have bent, but does not hinder how it looks in the first process. Other Five vases are in very good shape. (see photos)Process of Chinese Cloisonné MakingCloisonné is well-known traditional enamelware with a history that dates back more than 500 years. Making cloisonné is a complicated process that consists of six steps: base-hammering, soldering, enamel-filling, enamel firing, polishing and gilding.This long, refined and complicated process has many manufacturing steps, hammering, interweaving of copper wires, welding, enamel filling, as well as several stages of baking and polishing, and finally gilding. It is often called the "Blue of Jingtai" for two reasons. First, blue is the most commonly used color in enameling and secondly, cloisonné became prevalent during the reign of Jingtai (1450-1456) during the Ming dynasty. The cloisonné is known as 'Blue Jingtai', name of the seventh Emperor Ming, under whose reign, enameling is a craft noted and appreciated. Thanks to its brilliant color and splendid designs, cloisonné is highly valued in China and abroad. Over the years, craftsmen have added their innovating touches, so that today there are many varieties and styles of cloisonné.· 1st. Step: Base-Hammering/Making the body. Copper is used to make the body of cloisonné because it can be easily hammered and stretched. This step determined the piece’s uniform thickness and weight. This is the same kind of work as done by a copper smith, the only difference being that once the article has been shaped, the copper smith’s work is finished, whereas the craftsman’s work has just begun.· 2nd. Step: Filigree Soldering Step. This step requires great care and a great deal of creativity. The artisan adheres copper wires onto the body in a manner similar to embroidery. Measuring only 1/16 inches wide, these strips are placed onto the body in a complicated design. The wires or filigree are adhered, making up a complicated but complete pattern (like flowers, leaves, birds, etc.). The artisan has a blueprint in mind and can make full use of his experience, imagination and aesthetic vision when applying these copper strips onto the body.· 3rd. Step: Enamel Filling/Applying of color step. This stage is known as enamel filling. The color or enamel is like the glaze on ceramics. This step requires basic elements like boric acid, saltpeter and alkaline. Different elements are used to make different colors. Iron produces gray, uranium creates yellow, chromium produces green, bronze makes blue, zinc creates white and gold or iodine produce red. Workers grind these materials into fine powders and then apply them onto the cloisonné.· 4th. Step: Firing. The cloisonné enamel is fired and hardened. Enamel refilling is repeatedly required during this step, as heat from the fire causes the enamel to slightly sink. This is done by putting the article to the crucible. In just a short time, the copper body will turn red. After firing, the enamel in the little compartment will reduce, so it will require refilling. This process will go on repeatedly, until compartments are finally filled.· 5th. Step: Polishing. The first polish is done vigorously. Its aim is to make the filigree and the filled compartments even. The whole piece is returned to the fire and afterwards polished once more with a sharpened stone. Finally, a piece of hard carbon is used to polish again, to give the surface added luster. To make the piece even, the artisan has to polish the product again and again during firing. The first material used is emery while the second is whetstone. Lastly, a piece of hard carbon is used to give the piece luster.· 6th. Step: Gilding. Finally, craftsmen place the cloisonné in gold or silver fluid with an electric current to keep it from rusting. This is done by placing the article in a gold or silver bath and then subjecting it to an electric current. The exposed parts of the filigree and the metal fringes of the article will be smoothly and evenly gilded. After that, the metal part of the article will never get rusty. Then the article will again undergo another electroplating and be given a final light polishing. After more electroplating and a slight polish, the piece is completed. .....................................................About us...My husband and I want to thank you for looking at our unique treasures. Every day we will try to list more things.We have been married 55 years, and are now retired, enjoying life, and selling the treasures that we have within our home. We call it our eBay Estate Sale. My husband was an International Corporate Executive, giving us the opportunity to travel throughout the U.S., Europe, and Asia. We've purchased many unique items including Asian and European Antiques, Pottery, China, Furniture, and Dolls. Our U.S. collectibles include hundreds of Dolls, Books, Jewelry, and Americana...We try our very best to describe each item accurately by showing lots of photos. Please examine all the photos and description. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email us before bidding. We answer all questions promptly. Once we see your feedback, we will give one to you.Please note: Items are shipped INSURED. If you receive a package that is damaged, please contact us and WE will file a claim and you will be completely refunded after the item is returned to us.If you have a problem with an item, PLEASE contact us, and we will try our best to work with you!! Thank you for looking!

Price: 59 USD

Location: Sedona, Arizona

End Time: 2024-01-10T22:05:21.000Z

Shipping Cost: 36 USD