ObjectThis vase comes from the collection of several cloisonné plates and vases which were given to Ruskin in 1876 by Mr Henry Willett. Willet was a friend, as well as a fellow naturalist and geologist. Willet also donated objects to the Brighton Museum.
Cloisonné is an ancient technique used to decorate objects in colourful patterns. It was developed in Asia and is particularly common in Chinese decoration. The term ‘cloisonné’ can also be used to describe the finished object.
The object for decoration, such as a plate, vase or piece of jewellery, is generally made of brass, copper or silver. The artist attaches small metal strips, called ‘cloisons’ or pieces of wire to the object to mark out the pattern and create the areas which are to hold colour. The cloisons or wires are attached first with gum and then the object is fired to attach the outline pattern more securely.
Coloured and powdered glass and paste are combined to create ‘frit’ and the artist paints the frit into the empty spaces created by the cloisons.