Cloisonné, the technique of applying brilliant enamel ornament to metal, reached its peak in China beginning in the fourteenth century. In this gallery talk, curator Béatrice Quette will discuss the issues and ideas associated with cloisonné in both the imperial and religious contexts. Concentrating on a selection of works in the exhibition, Quette will explore aspects of function, imagery, and symbolism that distinguish Chinese cloisonné.

Béatrice Quette is head of education at the Musée des Arts
décoratifs, Paris, and curator of the Cloisonné exhibition.