CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cloisonne is a colored enamel applied to a metal or porcelain base. Metal bases are easier to maintain, but they can be damaged by denting. Porcelain is more fragile, but it can be more intriguing in appearance.

Several layers of colored enamel cells are placed on the base, creating a collage of patterns, and then fired. This process is repeated with different patterns, then sealed at high heat and polished or gold plated.

This way of showcasing an object of art has Asian ties, most of it being Japanese and originating in the mid-1850s.

Pastel colors, textures and solids were the specific characteristics of the cloisonne. Pastel was defined as the colors of the gray, blue and red color wheel. The textured design offers color contrasts in dark tones, with browns and oranges as favorites. The solid was easily identified from the first two mentioned, with no partitions in the background, just brighter colors and common patterns of birds, flowers, and maybe even butterflies.

The most common forms of this art were vases, ginger jars, bowls, mugs, and special boxes. The jewelry was also made using cloisonne, and is very delicate and quite beautiful. Beads, charms, pendants and religious items were created and are highly collectable.

Remember the craze for Pandora charms? In a similar tone, this layered art told a story through the different selections.

Hello Brenda,

These little slippers are marked France, with the initials CM enclosed in a circle, and the number 8 is printed at the tip. The French pad is on the inside of the shoe, while the other markings are on the sole. They are all leather. I’ve had them for years because I loved their miniature nature. Any idea of ​​age and value?

PG,

Cleveland

Hi Pauline,

Your 2 inch little treasures are a size 8 in the doll fashion world. They were made in France and were most likely intended for a Bru or a Juneau. They date from the Victorian era, late 1800s. French fashion dolls are the most expensive, as are their accessories. Your original shoes would be worth $ 100.

If you have an item to review, send a clear image with the history to Yenke Peddler, Brenda Yenke, PO Box 361633, Strongsville, Ohio, 44136. You can also send photos and information requests for Brenda to review To [email protected].