To make cloisonne, the artist creates a design from steel filaments or fine wire, typically gold, brass or silver. The spaces between the steel are full of glass enamel and fired to fuse the materials together.
Cleaning Cloisonne
Rub a moist, soft fabric over the cloisonne to remove most surface dirt. Prevent any sort of solvent or abrasive cleaner which could dull or scrape the enamel or metal. Also avoid acid cleaners, including those that are citrus-based. Polish cloisonne using a dry silver-polishing fabric to remove tarnish and restore shine to any exposed metalwork. Silver fabric is also safe for the enamel.
Within the Vase
Clean inside the vase using a moist, soft fabric, followed by a dry silver fabric, wrap a piece of the cloth round the handle of a wooden spoon or similar tool to gently reach into the bottom of a slender-necked vase. If the vase was used to hold flowers in water, the interior might be permanently marked or stained. Avoid harsh cleansers, because they can weaken or harm the cloisonne from the interior.