Linkasink CL08 Cloisonne Blue Birds & Silver Vessel Sink

sales@waveplumbing.com (Wave Plumbing) — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 12:29:18 -0700

Linkasink CL08 Cloisonne Blue Birds & Silver Vessel Sink
17" x 6" deep with 1.5" drain opening

This breathtaking vessel is a functional work of art.

Cloisonn�-The Art of Decorative Enameling
Cloisonn�, a process of fusing glass to metal, is the decorative art of applying enamel of all colors to the surface of a copper or bronze object which is then fired to become a bright and colorful work of art. The ancient Egyptians were the first known to create cloisonn�. The Chinese perfected the craft in the 14th century and the method has changed little since then. Linkasink continues to expand their handcrafted line of sinks by introducing numerous styles and color variations of cloisonn�. Each sink is individually crafted and colored to truly produce a functional work of art.

Procedure of Cloisonn�-making
First, individual ribbons of copper wire are soldered to a copper bowl. The voids between the wire are then packed with powdered glass and then fired to fuse the glass to the metal. The process is repeated several times to accomplish variations of color. The sink is ground and polished smooth to create a resilient surface as hard as porcelain and requires no special care.

Procedure:

1) Base-hammering This is, in fact, the work of a coppersmith. As copper is easily hammered and stretched, it is employed to make the body of cloisonne. A sound judgment is required because it determines the uniformity of thickness and weight. In contrast to the work of a coppersmith which is ended when the article is shaped, base-hammering is just the beginning in the making of cloisonne.	2) Filigree Soldering The second step can be compared to embroidery, as both require great care and high creativity. The only difference is that instead of embroidering on silk, the cloisonne craftsman adheres copper strips onto the copper body. 1/16 inch in diameter, these strips are shaped into what the artisan requires, usually a complicated but complete pattern. With a blueprint in mind, the craftsman exerts his experience and imagination in setting the copper strips on the body.	3) Enamel Filling Then comes to enamel filling, which requires such basic elements as boric acid, saltpeter and alkaline. Due to the different minerals added, cloisonne appears different in color. Usually one with much iron will turn gray, with uranium, yellow, with chromium, green, with bronze, blue, with zinc, white, with gold or iodine, red. After ores are ground into fine powder and contained in plates, workers apply them on the little compartments separated by filigrees.
4) Enamel Firing Put the article to the crucible and in a moment the copper body will turn red. In time of firing re-filling is repeatedly required, as the enamel in the little compartments will sink down a little after firing.	5) Polishing To make the filigree and the filled compartments even, the artisan has to polish the half finished products again and again. First emery is used. Then after the whole piece is put to fire again, a whetstone is employed for polishing. In the end, a piece of hard carbon is required in order that the article will obtain some luster on the surface.	6) Gilding Lastly, place the article in gold or silver fluid with changing electric current so as to keep the cloisonne free from rust. Another electroplating and a slight polish are demanded for the exposed parts of the filigree and the metal fringes of the article.

Linkasink Cloisonne Sinks

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Linkasink CL08 Cloisonne Blue Birds & Silver Vessel Sink