Cloisonne

Description

Cloisonné is an ancient metalworking technique that was first developed in the Near East. The technique spread to the Byzantine Empire and from there along the Silk Road to China. Today, the world's finest cloisonné is produced in China.

To produce cloisonné, fine metal wires are used to outline designs on metal. The wires create separate areas, called partitions, where enamel is applied.

Cloisonné derives its name from the French word cloison meaning partition.