CloisonnéⅢ

Types
There are three types of cloisonné with their different appearances: concave, convex and flat. And the finishing method determines this final appearance.

No completely filled on the clisons is the typical appearance of the concave cloisonné. Capillary action causes the enamel surface to curve up against the cloisonné wire when the enamel is molten, producing a concave appearance.

Convex cloisonné is produced by overfilling each cloison, at the last firing. This gives each color area the appearance of slightly rounded mounds.

And the most common one is the flat cloisonné. After all the cloisons are filled the enamel is ground down to a smooth surface with lapidary equipment, using the same techniques as are used for polishing cabochon stones.

The top of the cloisonné wire is polished so it is flush with the enamel and has a bright luster. Some cloisonné enamel is electroplated with a thin film of gold, which will not tarnish as silver does.