Enamels

The technique of enameling involves coating metal artworks, particularly those made of copper, gold, or silver, with a mixture of various minerals that vitrifies under heat. This enamel, which can be more or less opaque, is colored using pigments.

Enameling also refers to the process of vitrifying stoneware clays. The oldest known enameled works date back to ancient Egypt, where artisans mixed salt with clay to achieve vitrification of pottery during firing.

However, it wasn't until high-temperature kilns were developed that enamel became of good quality and durability. In China and Korea, celadon ceramics with a jade-like green glaze are particularly prized.

The technique of decorating metal surfaces has gained great popularity, leading to a diversification of methods such as cloisonné, champlevé, basse-taille, and enamel painting on copper.

The first cloisonné pieces were made in Greece at the beginning of our era and were exported during conquests and the opening of trade routes to the Arab world. They appeared in China by the dawn of the 15th century. Artists layer bronze partitions on a support made of the same material to pour the enamel into the gaps. These Chinese enamels, available in an endless palette of colors, are incredibly fine.

By this time, cloisonné began to fill everyday objects, both utilitarian and purely decorative. Europeans, fascinated by Far Eastern art, imported them from China to enrich their collections. French manufacturers, particularly those in Limoges, drew inspiration from these pieces to produce painted enamel tableware, vases, dishes, and bowls.

By entrusting the expertise of Asian enamels to a specialist before offering them at auction, you can obtain an estimate of their value based on their provenance, the quality of execution, the condition of the pieces, and their dating.