During the Qianlong period, the materials used in the tire shape of cloisonne products were divided into three grades: upper, middle and lower. The top grade is gold wire, the middle grade is silver wire, and the bottom grade is copper wire. The weight of the bronze tire is similar to that of the Ming Dynasty, the sand holes of the glaze on the surface of the device are obviously reduced, and the twisting, polishing and gold plating are all exquisite. In the background color configuration, in addition to sky blue and sapphire blue, there are green tones. Pink and black are two new varieties in glaze. In terms of decorative techniques, poems are popular, and patterns for making seals are added, based on traditional painting and calligraphy techniques.
Third, the reasons for the formation of cloisonne color characteristics
Cloisonne in Ming Dynasty mostly imitated bronze ware and porcelain, with less glaze color and rough and simple style. In the Qing Dynasty, the production skills were further improved, and the colors, patterns and shapes were more abundant.
Colorful cloisonne is filled with small pieces of pigment, which is called "point blue" in jargon. Cloisonne pigment itself does not have many colors, and craftsmen mix several pigments and add water to make the desired color. It is not easy to match colors evenly. In addition, in the firing process, the color will change due to the different degree of heating, so color matching has become a big problem in point blue.
Plaid filled with copper wire is a skill test. Pigment is made by adding water. When it is burned in the furnace, the volume of the pigment will shrink. Therefore, the pigment should be filled and fired repeatedly until it is basically the same as the copper wire, or even slightly protruding. Cloisonne works of art can present such a magnificent beauty only after repeated coloring and firing.
The depth of petals needs two or more colors to express. The transition between colors is a difficult point in testing technology. Many small parts of the work need the transition of several colors. Artists first arrange different colors from deep to light, then gradually increase the proportion of water and "fade" the colors bit by bit. The gradual change of natural harmony depends on the craftsman's superb skills and artistic accomplishment.
The color of cloisonne is also determined by "burning blue". When firing, it is very important to master the heat. A slight deviation will lead to discoloration, enamel shedding or copper tire damage. The length of firing time varies from thing to thing, and the artist's experience is the yardstick to master the discretion.
Polishing is the process of cloisonne polishing. Sand and gravel are used to smooth the glaze and expose the copper lines on the surface of the vessel. Then finely grind it with Yellowstone and charcoal until it gives off a uniform and soft light. Finally, polishing with cloth wheel.
No matter how to pinch silk, point blue, burn blue, polish ... every process of making cloisonne is extremely delicate. Usually, a craftsman can only master one of them, and few masters can master the whole process of cloisonne production. It is such a complicated craft that makes cloisonne rare, gorgeous and exquisite.
Fourth, the development status of cloisonne technology
A cloisonne product of the Ming Dynasty, according to our current quality standards, is obviously different from the cloisonne products produced now. Now cloisonne has been improved obviously in silk, blue, polishing, appearance, polishing, copper, sand holes and workmanship. Because the current production conditions are many times better than those in ancient times 500 years ago. The clean sanitary environment in the bright and spacious workshop greatly reduces the indoor dust, and the blue dot process is not disturbed by dust. Reduce trachoma to a minimum, thus greatly improving product quality. Today, cloisonne is still made by hand, and it has to go through complicated technological processes such as tire making, twisting, welding, bluing, burning, polishing and gold plating.
After the founding of New China, the development of cloisonne experienced the changes of the times and made great progress. There are two kinds of cloisonne at present: cloisonne and cloisonne. Cloisonne products are divided into two parts: Di Chin Cloisonne and Landy Cloisonne. Cloisonne filigree is divided into three parts: Di Chin filigree, Yin Di filigree and Randy filigree cloisonne, and filigree cloisonne also includes Di Chin filigree and Yin Di filigree products.
Cloisonne, carved lacquer, jade and ivory are called the four major handicrafts in Beijing. She is a bright pearl in arts and crafts. Cloisonne has won the favor of domestic and foreign consumers with its long history and exquisite and luxurious visual experience. Designers can also combine this fascinating traditional craft with modern products to create a new culture of cloisonne belonging to this era, so that the unique color of cloisonne can continue to shine in our lives.