Various Expression Techniques

Precise Lines with Metal Wire

In wire cloisonne, metal wires are erected along every line that appears in the design, with the cross-section of these wires forming the visible lines on the surface. It means that for every line depicted in the artwork, an individual metal wire is placed with precision. Cloisonne are not only flat; they are often applied to curved surfaces like vases. Erecting metal wires perpendicularly on these curved surfaces requires exceptional craftsmanship and is a testament to the artisan's skill.

Raised Enamel for a Three-Dimensional Effect

In the process of wire cloisonne, there's a unique method known as raised cloisonne. This technique involves applying additional enamel to certain parts of the pattern, particularly where a raised effect is desired, then firing the enamel multiple times. Unlike the traditional focus of cloisonne of polishing the surface of glass, raised cloisonne stands out for creating a three-dimensional texture on the surface. This technique is quite impressive within the realm of cloisonne for its ability to produce a unique tactile quality and visual depth not typically found in other cloisonne methods.

Depth through Layered Colors

Cloisonne uses multiple layers of enamel to create color depth. In works depicting objects like carp, adjustments in color and wire placement are made to give a three-dimensional illusion. This technique allows for a nuanced depiction of scenes, such as a carp emerging from the water's surface. To avoid a flat appearance the color of the carp's rear half is subtly changed, and the silver lines defining scales and contours in the front half are lowered into the enamel. This method creates a sense of depth, making it appear as though the carp is partly submerged. Semi-transparent glass enamel set in layers is the key to achieving this effect, demonstrating the versatility and depth achieved with cloisonne techniques.

Expressing Strength by Hammering Metal Wires

In cloisonne art, the wired cloisonne technique consists of fine silver wires used to form delicate designs. By varying the wire's thickness, a sense of strength and an emphasis on individual motifs is achieved. To accomplish this, we use the Uchibari technique of hammering the silver wire to create variations in thickness. While standard silver wire lines are uniformly thin, the hammering technique allows for expressions with varying strengths, similar to brush strokes, creating a distinct impression compared with other motifs. For further emphasis, silver paste is added between the wires, or silver lumps are placed.

Removing Metal Wires for a Softer Expression

Wireless cloisonne is a technique where we remove the silver wires from the surface. Like wired cloisonne, we draw designs and apply enamel, but remove the metal wires before firing. There is also a method that involves no metal wires. This technique is for motifs like mountain ridges, where the desire is for blurred or less distinct outlines.