The September-October 1985 issue of Arts of Asia magazine features a 4-page article by Ursula Roberts on the cloisonné atelier of Kuo
Ming-Chiao, father of Robert Kuo. For
collectors of Kuo cloisonné, this Arts of
Asia issue seems to me a must-have for its biographical information and
photos of Kuo Ming-chiao and his work.
Ten photos accompany the article, including five showing
workshop artisans in the process of lathe-turning copper pieces, applying the
cloison wires, filling with enamel, firing, and polishing.
Two large color photos display pieces with flowing lotus and
butterfly designs on a uniquely Kuo rose background, and a distinctive Kuo
swirl design. Similar pieces are shown below:
Note the use of twisted wire, a feature sometimes found on Japanese cloisonné pieces such as this small white vase. |
The inside back cover features some spectacular modern
red/black/gold pieces under the trademark of the Robert Kuo Ltd. Gallery.
The article explains the distinctiveness of Kuo enamels and designs:
Wanting to develop his
own colors, he designed a special kiln to fire the enamel pigments, and he
studied chemistry so as to acquire the knowledge that would help him introduce
an improved enamelling process. Today he
uses over 3600 glazes in different shades.
“Kuo colours” are unique, the technical process being a closely guarded
secret; using transparent as well as opaque colours he can create cloisonné
works that are akin to contemporary painting…
One of the advantages of collecting Kuo cloisonné is that
affordable small pieces and beads can still be found in online auction sites. The Arts
of Asia article confirms this:
“moreover, his factory produces useful objects such as paperweights and
letter openers as well as purely decorative pieces.”
Courtesy of eBay vendor benbeiswanger. Note how the brocade pattern of this boxed set matches the brocade for Kuo boxed bead sets demonstrating the cloisonne process. |
Cloisonne beads from Taiwan |
The Arts of Asia article's photo of the polishing process shows a bowl of similar wide bangles alongside the artisan. |