We are unable to determine the time of origin of cloisonne. It was initially known as “copper padding thread weaving enamel”. Historians generally accept the notion that as it was thrived in the Jingtai Era of the Ming Dynasty and its major glazing color is blue (lan in pinyin), it got its name “cloisonne” (Jing Tai Lan in pinyin), which is still used today. The cloisonne making technique integrates multiple professional techniques, such as fine arts, sculpture, inlay, glass smelting and metallurgy. The process contains padding, thread weaving, blue coloring, blueing, polishing and gold plating, among other procedures. Specifically, the first step to produce cloisonne is to make a copper padding. Next, fabricate copper wire into decorative patterns on the copper padding, and then fill multi-colored enamel into the patterns. The last steps are burning, rubdown and gold plating.

一件精美的景泰蓝器皿，其良好的造型取决于制胎；优美的装饰花纹出于掐丝；华丽的色彩决定于颜料的配制；辉煌的光泽则完成于打磨和镀金。正因为景泰蓝工艺复杂至极，而成品精美绝伦，如宝石流光溢彩，故历史上有“一件景泰蓝，十件官窑器”的美誉。北京是中国景泰蓝的发祥地，也是最为重要的产地。北京景泰蓝以典雅雄浑的造型、灵动多姿的纹样及清丽庄重的色彩著称，给人以圆融精巧、细腻工整、金碧辉煌的艺术感受，代表了中国历史上铜胎掐丝珐琅工艺的最高成就。
The prerequisites of a fine cloisonne are a good style, which depends on the padding, beautiful decorative patterns, which depend on thread weaving, luxuriant colors, which depend on the preparation of pigments, and brilliant luster, which is achieved by polishing and gold glazing. Since the cloisonne manufacturing technique is quite complicated, and the finished product looks so exquisite that it is as glorious as gems, the cloisonne has enjoyed a good reputation — “one piece of cloisonne equals ten artworks made in official workshops in ancient China”. Beijing is the birthplace of cloisonne and also the most important production place in China. Beijing cloisonne is famous for its elegant and vigorous modeling, vivid and rich patterns, as well as beautiful and grand colors. It gives people the artistic impression of roundness, exquisiteness, smoothness and magnificence. It represents the highest achievement of copper padding thread weaving enamel in the Chinese history.

蝶舞
Sculpture of a girl dancing like a butterfly

作者：李佩卿
材质：铜、釉料、玉
尺寸： 290×230×560mm
Author：Li Peiqing
Material：Copper, Glaze and Jade
Size: 290×230×560mm

作品造型巧妙，少女下半身如雕塑底座稳重，上半身纤巧玲珑，二者形成鲜明对照，使作品有了音乐一般的节奏感，暗中呼应“蝶舞”的主题。在色彩上，作者选用大面积金色和显眼的蓝、白色，观之富丽灿烂又不失清新典雅。
This piece of artwork has a cleverly designed shape. The lower body of the girl serves as the steady base of the sculpture, but her upper body is so slim and tiny. The stark contrast gives this piece of artwork a rhythm like that in music, implicitly showing the theme of “dancing like a butterfly”. The application of large amount of gold and eye-catching blue and white color makes the artwork look not only luxuriant and glorious, but also refreshing and elegant.

富贵风韵
Vase symbolizing the charm of wealth

作者：李佩卿
材质：铜、釉料
尺寸： 430×430×700mm
Author： Li Peiqing
Material：Copper, Glaze
Size: 430× 430×700mm

作品造型别致，饱满的瓶身、大口花瓣状瓶口以及古朴的兽状瓶耳组合成高贵、华丽的观感。此外，浓烈、明艳的色彩和繁复的纹饰也大大强化了“富贵”的视觉效果。作品形制庄重，色彩富丽，做工考究，诚为经典之作。
The style of this piece of artwork is unique and beautiful. The full vase body, wide pedal-shaped opening and monster-shaped handle with primitive simplicity make the vase look noble and luxuriant. In addition, the strong and vivid colors and the rich patterns strengthen the “wealthy” visual effect of the vase. With solemn modelling, rich colors and exquisite production techniques, this piece of artwork can be said as a classic.