How to clean a cloisonne vase?

[megph]

Does anybody know how to safely clean an old cloisonne vase? I have one from the late Qing dynasty and it's absolutely gorgeous. But the surface is a bit dirty and I would like to know a safe way to clean it without damaging the enamels or the brass wires.

Can I use alcohol on brass or copper?

Thanks.

[sliu]

You can use a mild soapy water and rubbing alcohol to safely clean cloisonne wares. Make sure to use a soft cloth to avoid scratches. Chinese cloisonne is made of copper or brass with gold gilt on the surface. Japanese cloisonne is often made of silver.

Soap and rubbing alcohol are safe on all these metals. Also, you can use them to clean enamel, which is basically glass.

If you have some tough stains on the vase, try use baking soda with a soft cloth, use the finest baking soda you can find so it's not abrasive.