Chinese Famille Rose Vases

The decoration is formed by first adding compartments (cloisons in French) to the metal object ^by adhering silver or gold wires or thin strips placed on their edges. These remain visible in the finished piece, separating the different compartments of the enamel or inlays, which are often of several colors. Cloisonné enamel objects are worked on with enamel powder made into a paste, which then needs to be fired in a kiln.( A kiln is a thermally insulated chamber, a type of oven, that produces temperatures sufficient to complete some process, such as hardening, drying, or chemical changes)

Byzantine cloisonné enamel plaque of St. Demetrios, c. 1100