Posted an update: 2026-4-2 11:05:02 30
After the wire structure is complete, it is time to bring the design to life with color. "点蓝" (Dian Lan), or enamel filling, is a painstaking process that requires a steady hand and a deep knowledge of how colors will change once they meet the fire.
Table of Contents
1. The Palette of Ground Minerals
Cloisonne enamels are made from finely ground glass mixed with various metal oxides—cobalt for blue, copper for green, gold for pink, and iron for red. These mineral pigments are mixed with water to create a paste. Each color has its own "temperament" and requires a slightly different firing temperature to melt and bond correctly.
2. The Precision of Filling
Using a small, specialized pipette or a fine brush, the artisan carefully fills each wire compartment with the colored paste. The filling must be even and slightly higher than the wires, as the enamel will shrink when it melts in the kiln. This step is incredibly time-consuming; a single large vase can have thousands of individual compartments.
3. Multiple Layers and Multiple Firings
One filling is never enough. Because the enamel shrinks as it vitrifies, the artisan must fire the piece, add more enamel to the sunken areas, and fire it again. This process is repeated 3 to 4 times until the enamel is perfectly flush with the top of the wires. Each firing carries a risk—if the temperature is too high, the entire piece can warp or melt.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do the colors change after firing?
A: The metal oxides in the enamel pastes undergo chemical reactions in the heat of the kiln. A master artisan must know that a dull grey paste will emerge from the fire as a vibrant, glowing red.
Q: Can colors be mixed like paint?
A: Generally, no. Each color is placed in its own "cell." However, subtle gradients can be achieved by placing different shades of the same color in adjacent cells or by layering transparent over opaque enamels.