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The Story Of Plique A Jour
Plique a jour is a type of enamelwork that has been practiced for centuries, with its origins in ancient Byzantine and Islamic cultures. It is a French term that translates to “letting in daylight,” and refers to the translucent and vibrant effect of the enamelwork that allows light to shine through the open cells.
The technique of plique a jour involves creating a delicate framework, often made of high karat gold or silver, that resembles a miniature stained-glass window. This framework is then filled with fine enamel, which are fused together at high temperatures to form a smooth, glassy surface. The resulting enamelwork you would think to be fragile and require careful handling but actually it is pretty strong. Plique a Jour creates a highly prized form of decorative art.
One of the most notable examples of plique a jour can be found in the works of the French jeweler René Lalique, who was famous for his Art Nouveau designs that incorporated the technique. Lalique’s plique a jour pieces often featured intricate floral and insect motifs, and his use of color and light in his enamelwork was masterful. Lalique’s plique a jour works were highly sought after during his lifetime and continue to be highly prized by collectors and enthusiasts today.
Plique a jour has been used in a variety of decorative arts, including jewelry, vases, and small objects such as miniature boxes and snuff bottles. In addition to its use in decorative arts, plique a jour resembles liturgical art, particularly in the production of stained-glass windows for churches and cathedrals. The stained-glass work was also employed by Art Nouveau architects in their designs for ornamental glasswork in buildings and interiors.
Today, plique a jour remains a highly specialized and relatively rare form of decorative art. Its intricate and delicate nature requires a high level of skill and patience, as well as a deep understanding of the materials and processes involved. Plique a Jour indeed require the hand of a skilled artisan to produce.