What is cloisonné?
Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank
Cloisonné objects from Sutton Hoo
A golden shoulder clasp from the late 6th or early 7th century is a remarkable example of early medieval art. Discovered during an archaeological dig at Sutton Hoo, this object's intricate craftsmanship helps us understand cloisonné. The video explores the clasp's design and details what the cloisonné technique is, comparing it to examples from ancient Egypt and Ming China.
Shoulder-Clasp, late 6th–early 7th century CE, gold, garnet, millefiori glass, Sutton Hoo, Ship-burial Mound 1, Suffolk, England, 12.7 x 5.4 cm. The British Museum. Photo: © Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank.
Video chapters
0:00 Looking at a medieval shoulder clasp from Sutton Hoo
0:34 What is cloisonné?
1:26 Looking closely at the Sutton Hoo object
Learn more
Check out our entire glossary of art history.
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Discover more about the global Middle Ages.
