Japanese creatives experimented with new mediums and colors such as gold and silver speckles, foils, and pitch black. While the Chinese technique was generally applied to bronzes, Japanese artisans applied cloisonné to a variety of surfaces from bronze to clay and glazed porcelain. They achieved well-delineated colors and designs without wires. Japanese artists introduced many innovative techniques to cloisonné art. Known in Japan as “ shippo,” or “seven treasures,” skilled artisans achieved gem-like colors. From these colorful Chinese cloisonné prototypes the modern Japanese cloisonné was born. Over time, the palette expanded to included the whole color spectrum, as well as white and black. The color of early Chinese cloisonné works was predominantly turquoise blue.
The Imperial palace workshop was the leading epicenter of high-quality cloisonné products, mainly produced to glorify temples and palaces. In China, cloisonné evolved as a significant art form. Initially, cloisonné adorned small portions of jewelry and metal accessories.
Glass or enamel are melted into each partitioned area to create an elegant, jewel-like decoration. The term cloisonné comes from the French cloison, meaning partition or segments, and refers to a form of decoration in which metal strips or wires are applied to a surface in closed shapes. Japanese cloisonné uses an ancient enameling technique originating in the West during the Middle Ages.