lineless cloisonné

Lineless cloisonné is a variation of cloisonné enamelwork where the characteristic metal strips (cloisons) are removed before each firing, allowing for a gradation of colors similar to painted enamels. This technique, developed in Japan in the 1880s, achieves the brilliance of traditional cloisonné but without visible partitions.1

Cloisonné itself involves soldering thin metal strips to a metal surface to create cells, which are then filled with vitreous enamel paste. The object is fired, ground smooth, and polished. This technique is particularly suited for intricate designs on precious metals like gold. Enamel is a type of soft glass made from flint or sand, red lead, and soda or potash, which is melted into a flux. Coloring is achieved by adding metallic oxides.23