Cloisonné (pronounced kloi-zuh-ney or klwa-zaw-ney (French))
(1) A decorative technique for metalwork, especially brass, whereby colored enamel is baked between raised ridges of the metal; sometimes disparaged as a cheaper alternative to jeweled encrustation or filigree.
(2) Pertaining to, forming, or resembling cloisonné or the pattern of cloisonné.
(3) As applied to metalwork, objects decorated by this technique collectively.
1863: From the French cloisonné (divided into compartments, partitioned (especially in reference to surface decoration)), from the twelfth century Old French cloison (partition), from cloisonner (enclosure; to divide into compartments) from the Provençal clausiō, from the Vulgar Latin clausiōn, stem of clausiō (closed), noun of action from past participle stem of claudere (to close; shut).
French Second Empire gilt cloisonné enamel carriage clock, circa 1870.
The intricate metalwork and detailed cloisonné engravings associated with the clocks of the First French Empire have always attracted collectors and there’s a view in the industry they’re superior in just about every way to those of the Second Empire. They certainly tend to be more expensive. There are those who prefer the later clocks, especially the more restrained. For the discerning, a sub-genre of Second Empire horology was the carriage (or travelling) clock, small, sturdy and created in shapes suitable to packing in regular-sized boxes. The earliest were purely functional with little embellishment but their diminutive form appealed to designers seeking to create exquisite miniatures. From the mid-century on, an increasing number were produced for household use and it’s doubtful many were much used by those on the move.
1968 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spider (#11057)
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