The cloisonne factory was one of the most interesting parts of the tour. You really have to admire these folks - it was below freezing outside and not much better inside. Yet they manage to do beautifully delicate work, all by hand. Cloisunne is created by gluing little copper wires to copper balls, vases, plates, or whatever you want decorated.

Then, they paint the spaces between the wires with an enamel paint. The workers can choose whatever colors they wish - each piece ends up a little bit different!

Next, they fire the pieces in a big oven for about 5 minutes. This process hardens the enamel and brings out the beautiful colors.

Finally, they polish the pieces by hand. Pretty amazing, and the results are beautiful!

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