Cloisonne

We also went to a cloisonne factory today. I was not expecting this at all. I will give you more of the details when I have a faster internet connection, but it was amazing to see how much time it takes to make this beautiful artwork.

Before we went to the Wall we stopped by a jade factory and took a tour. Very interesting- I really like rocks.
A 1000 degree Centigrade furnace fueled by charcoal heats the copper and solders the small pieces of copper onto the vase. If you get close to the vases in the later pictures you can see the detail of each piece of copper. These "slots" are then filled with enamel and baked on. Each piece of art goes into the furnace 7 times before it is finished.

Red hot vases coming out of the furnace to go to the next stage. So many hours.



These are vases that are cooling before returning back the the artists. Look at them closely to see the detail.


I can't help but be reminded of the furnace of trials that each believer must go through before we are complete in Christ. We must share in His sufferings before we can reign with Him. The fire is still hot but when we realize the purpose then we may find delight in knowing we are in a trial so that the outcome of completion is all the more close.

Mary told me that there have been cases where house have caught on fire and everything was completely lost except for the cloisonne- because it has already been tested by fire.

1 Peter 1:6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Teresa told me that it was ok for us not to be in trials every minute of every day and that maybe God was allowing us to rest from them for a time. OK- I guess that's ok too.