Learning the Traditional Craft of Chilbo: A Journey Through Traditional Korean Glazing Techniques

This time, I learned about Chilbo (七寶), one of Korea's traditional crafts.

Cloisonné is a technique that can be applied not only to metals like gold, silver, and copper, but also to glass. It involves mixing a powdered glaze with water, applying it to the metal, and firing it at high temperatures to create color and patterns. I first attempted cloisonné on a copper plate.

The moment I applied the glaze with a brush was delicate, like applying color to a small canvas. The moment I placed it in the kiln, there was a sense of tension and excitement, unsure of what colors would unfold. As fire and glaze met, yellow, brown, and red hues spread across the green base, creating unexpected patterns.

The completed cloisonné decoration was then crafted into a hand mirror, fitting it into an antique frame. This wasn't simply a craft experience; it was an experiment demonstrating the new possibilities of Nawol jewelry. Adding the world of cloisonné, a world of color and fire, to my work with silver and gemstones, I look forward to seeing what kind of future works this will expand upon.