Cloisonné is the technique of enamelling that most people are familiar with, and that most enamellists practice.
The wires are very slightly melted into a coat of clear enamel (the piece is already enameled on the back)
fired wires
Contrary to champlevé - where the metal is etched and the enamel inlaid, in cloisonné the design is created with wire and built up on the metal.
The goal is to build up the enamel in discreet layers - so that the light passing through the piece reveals its depth.
wetpacked
Because the metal wires that create the design are so thin - the effect is not as bold as champlevé, but more subtle effects can be created since there is more room for layers.
sugar fired
Layers are built up slowly using a technique called 'wet packing" which means that the enamel is moistened with water and applied with a tiny spoon or a paintbrush.
wetpacked
It is dried thoroughly and then fired to just barely fusing - called sugar firing, since the result looks like slightly melted sugar - taking care not to over-fire which would cause the enamel to become muddy.
sugar fired
The enamel is built up in several layers to the level of the wires, and then stoned flat - to make an even surface.
wetpacked
Cloisonné is a more time consuming technique than champlevé as it requires many more layers and firings than champlevé.
sugar fired
Champlevé typically has 5 to 7 firings, and cloisonné typically has 15 to 20.
wetpacked
sugar fired
wetpacked
sugar fired
wetpacked
A final careful firing brings out the lustre of all the layers
fired