Cloisonne is the ancient art of applying brass wire to bronze objects and filling the resulting surface structure with enamel colors. Second in popularity only to jade and porcelain, cloisonne is sought after by art collectors throughout the world.
The problem for the artist who created this particular piece, was that the main material employed was heavy, unwieldly bronze. Not only is this a difficult material to work with skillfully, but it also had to be molded into the graceful and lively form of a wild duck. Looking at the cloisonne duck, we see a smooth and curved but, none theless, strong and powerful neck, supporting a rather small and frail head. The surface of the duck is smooth, the roughness and sharp angles of the original lump of bronze eliminated. The beauty of this piece of cloisonne is further seen by the many different "layers" of ruffled feathers, contributing to the life-like image.
Colors are used well, and further contribute to a feeling of naturalness. Down is delicatedy painted onto the neck, and blue, green, and red colors are used in the right proportions on the wings. The result is an accurate, three dimensional duck.
When we stop to consider that this graceful and elegant form was created from a chunk of inanimate bronze, the skill of the artist as well as the problem which confronted him can be clearly understood. Seen in this light, beautiful cloisonne is truly a very special accomplishment.
