shippō 七宝

Enamel, cloisonne or champleve. A decorative technique where areas of enamel are separated by metal dykes or wires. Usually design is carved onto a metal base, and the indentations filled with vitreous enamel before firing in a kiln. When the metal borders are left in place, this is called yūsen shippō 有線七宝 (cloisonne). When these are removed after firing, the term musen shippō 無線七宝 (champleve) is used.