Subject: Repairing cloisonne
Could any of the conservators on the List suggest a relatively simple, inexpensive method of repairing a small chip in cloisonne enamel? The artifact in question is an old Chinese vase. While the chip (actually, a compression fracture) is relatively small, about 1/4 inch in diameter by less than 1/16 inch deep, in keeping with Murphy's Law, it is located on a highly visible convex surface. The chip does not extend all the way through to the metal substrate, and involves only one colour of enamel, although it does extend over the wire filigree. The finish of the enamel is more matte than most cloisonne work I have seen. I have thought of using either an acrylic modelling compound fill followed by inpainting, or a tinted two part epoxy. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated, Dee Stubbs *** Conservation DistList Instance 12:17 Distributed: Wednesday, August 12, 1998 Message Id: cdl-12-17-010 ***Received on Monday, 10 August, 1998