What is Traditional Cloisonne?
The art of cloisonne originated in parts of Europe and West Asia and was introduced to China around the 14th century. Influenced by Chinese culture, its craftsmanship and creative concepts gradually evolved, with works beginning to incorporate Chinese elements. For a long time, cloisonne production was regulated by the imperial court until the 19th century, when the craft spread among the general public and became an important handicraft.
What is New Cloisonne?
This ancient art has been popular in China for centuries, and in the past 20 years, many Chinese artists have made many innovations and reforms based on traditional cloisonne, eventually leading to this new form of art.
The emergence of new cloisonne has made the craft simpler, allowing more people to participate and enjoy the creative process.
How Does New-Style Cloisonne Differ from Traditional Cloisonne?
The most significant feature of new cloisonne is that it no longer requires high-temperature firing. Instead, colored powders are fixed using epoxy resin glue or a special cloisonne adhesive. This innovation not only reduces the risks associated with the craft but also allows more people interested in cloisonne to easily get started and participate in creating their own works.
Lower Costs, Enhanced Enjoyment
Traditional cloisonne uses enamel powder, which can be costly, whereas new-style cloisonne introduces colored sand as a pigment, significantly reducing material costs. This is particularly important for beginners. Of course, in addition to colored sand, we also offer and sell the traditional enamel used in cloisonne.
Moreover, since new cloisonne does not require firing, the creation process is much safer and more enjoyable. This change makes new-style cloisonne suitable not only for professional artists but also for creative activities in homes, schools, and other environments. Parents and educators can use it as an engaging craft activity, allowing children to learn while enjoying the fun of art.
Diverse Materials and Creative Freedom
Another major advantage of new-style cloisonne is the diversity of base materials. Traditional cloisonne, requiring firing, demands high-quality metal bases like copper or gold. However, new-style cloisonne, which uses adhesive to fix the pigments, is not limited to metal bases. Instead, materials like plastic, glass, and acrylic can also be used. This breakthrough gives artists greater creative freedom, allowing new-style cloisonne to be used not only for traditional decorative items but also in modern home design, fashion accessories, and various other fields. By choosing different materials, creators can give their works unique textures and visual effects, showcasing endless creativity.
If you want to learn more about how to make new-style cloisonne, you can watch our YouTube videos, where we cover all the details you might be interested in.
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Conclusion
The emergence of new-style cloisonne has breathed new life into this ancient art form. While preserving traditional craftsmanship, it also incorporates modern innovations, making cloisonne accessible to a broader audience and allowing more people to engage in the creative process. This is not only a continuation and promotion of traditional culture but also an active exploration of modern art and design.