Cloisonne is a centuries old metalworking technique for relatively
small objects of high value wherein very thin silver wires are soldered
to a silver/gold surface in such a way as to create cells (cloissons).
Enamel powders are then placed in the cells and the item is heated in a
kiln until the powders turn into a liquid (different temperatures for
each color).
After the object is cooled, the surface is worked so that the cell
walls are at the same height as the enamel.
The technique was used in China, the Byzantine empire, Europe and only
to a limited extent in the USA
Today, China mass produces cloisonne items on an immense scale (with
relatively low prices) and this process is now very automated. That was
not true when these spoons were made.
1. pretty Gorham sterling spoon engraved 'Boulder' in the bowl (prob.
Boulder, Colorado)
2. very pretty gold plated spoon in the champleve style (made to
look like cloisonne)--marked sterling
3. pretty gold plated spoon engraved 'sister' in the bowl and dated on
the back 1892. marked 830 for silver quality (prob. European made)
4. gold plated spoon engraved 'E.D. Mrs. Dalzell Cresson 1892",
marked sterling
Visit the art nuevo cloisonne exhibit
Return to the spoon exhibits index