Zhang Xiaojin is coloring the cloisonne painting Golden Fish. [Photo by Meng Yu]

Cloisonne, also known as Jingtailan in Chinese, is a unique form of art that involves the use of enameling techniques on metal to create intricate patterns and designs. The name "cloisonne" comes from the French word "cloison" which means partition. The technique involves creating partitions on a metal surface using wires or strips of metal. These partitions are then filled with enamel, which is a colored glass substance that is fired at high temperatures to create a smooth and hard surface. This results in a stunning and durable piece of art.

According to available historical records, the cloisonne technique was introduced to China from Arab regions through the Silk Road during the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). It's believed that cloisonne reached its peak and was given its present Chinese name, Jingtailan, during the reign of Emperor Jingtai in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). "Lan" means blue in Chinese, and Jingtailan goods were typically infused with a special dark blue enamel as the base color.