Republic of Ching

AD 1912-1949

Qing Dynasty

AD 1636-1911

Ming Dynasty

AD 1368-1635

Yuan Dynasty

AD 1279-1368

Jin Dynasty

AD 1115-1234

Xi Xia Dynasty

AD 1038-1227

Liao Dynasty

AD   907-1125

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Cloisonne is a unique art form that originated in Beijing during the Yuan Dynasty (1271 - 1368).  In the period titled 'Jingtai' during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644), the emperor who was very much interested in bronze-casting techniques, improved the color process, and created the bright blue that appealed to the Oriental aesthetic sense.  After a processing breakthrough, most articles for his daily use were made of cloisonne; in time cloisonne became popular among the common people; their favorite called "Jingtai Blue".

During the reigns of Emperors Kangxi and Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911), cloisonne improved and reached its artistic summit. Colors were more delicate, filigrees more flexible and fluent, and scope was enlarged beyond the sacrifice-process wares into snuff bottles, folding screens, incense burners, tables, chairs, chopsticks, and bowls.

Cloisonne manufacture is comprehensive and sophisticated, combining the techniques of making bronze and porcelain ware, as well as those of traditional painting and sculpture:

Model hammering: The process is to form copper pieces into various shapes with a hammer according to a design, joining them under high temperature.

Filigree welding: In filigree welding the artist pinches and curves copper filigree into delicate flower patterns, pasting them onto the copper molds. Possibly the most challenging step of the procedure, heating to 900 degrees centigrade, firms the metal.

Enamel filling: Through this interesting procedure, the cloisonne wears a colored wrap.  Handicrafts specialists fill enamel glaze into lattices formed by fine-spun filigrees.  Just one filling is not enough - the filigrees extrude, and the surface is dull.  They have to fuse powdery glaze in the smelter at 800 degrees centigrade, then take the object out and repeat the process three or four times until its surface becomes smooth.

Cloisonn-caskets had appealed to ladies for its delicacyColorful bracelets made through the techniques of cloisonne.

Surface polishing: Seeking smooth surfaces, artisans polish articles three times with grit or charcoal.  The work requires extreme care.

Gilding: After acid pickling, fluid gold adds elegance and civility to a cloisonne piece.

Today cloisonne technique is associated with the sculpture of wood, jade, ivory and lacquer.  Cloisonne art is exported to many countries as a favorite medium for ornaments.

POLICIES:

About Our Items:

Almost ALL OF OUR ITEMS ARE USED. We indicate vintage or antique. That means they are not NEW, they have been used.

* Our scale of condition:
---- NEW; NEW (never used).
---- NIB; New in Box; NEW (never used) with original box.
---- MINT CONDITION; As used by auction houses and implying the item is vintage or antique but is in perfect condition, without flaws.  This is a highly sought category and not often used. Nothing is ever perfect, but mint is as close as it gets.
---- EXCELLENT; indicating as new but not quite perfect.
---- VERY GOOD CONDITION; some condition problems and they are explained
---- GOOD; implies there are more serious condition problems.
---- ACCEPTABLE; problems that do not impair good for the use intended, but may not be aesthetically pleasing.

Each Cloisonne piece we sell was HANDMADE and there are some inherent blemishes in such handmade products that ARE NOT CONSIDERED DEFECTS such as firing pops, slips, voids, etc. . . . more helpful cloisonne information.

- Please ask questions before buying. We check our eMail often, and answer quickly.
- If we have misidentified an item, we appreciate receiving corrected information.
- We specialize in vintage items, and we strive to be accurate about condition, but most of our items are nearly or over a century years old and probably won't look "new".
- Often the best treasures are found in long-forgotten corners of the household.  We give everthing a superficial cleaning, but due to the fragile nature of many of the items we handle, we leave the remaining cleaning up to the new owner.
- If you feel an item does not meet your expectations, or we somehow overlooked something, please contact us at help@vintage-cloisonne.com.

Payment, Shipping & Insurance:

- Buyer pays shipping and handling.
- We use lots of paper, bubble wrap and peanuts. However, if the buyer does not choose insurance, the buyer is responsible for loss or damage in shipment.

Return Policy:

- Item may be returned if we agree that the item was misrepresented.
- Refund will be made of purchase price to buyer.
- Buyer pays a 10% restocking fee and all shipping fees and insurance.
- Item must be returned within seven (30) days of receipt of item, in its original condition, and in its original packaging.