 |
| Netsuke |
| Snuff Bottles |
| Cloisonne |
| Gemstones |
| Peking Glass |
| Porcelain |
| Enamels |
| Ivory, Bone, or ? |
| Cinnabar |
| Yixing Pottery |
| Symbolism |
| Chinese Dynasties |
Enamel painting came to China in the beginning of the 18th Century. It was introduced by Jesuit Priests. The Priests were commissioned by the Emperor to teach the techniques to the craftsmen of the Imperial Workshops. Bottles made of Brass or Copper were used. These were painted with enamels then fired in a kiln to fuse the paint. This art also spawn the Guyuexuan style. Guyuexuan ( Ancient Moon Pavilion ) was first produced in the Late 18th Century. To produce these items, first a clear or milky white bottle was made. They are then painted with enamels. The bottles are fired in a kiln at a very high temperature to cure the enamel and fuse it to the glass. What makes this process so difficult is that the melting point of the enamel is just below the point at which the bottles melt and collapse. Many items are lost during this process. Today with computerized kilns it is a little easier. The value of these bottles is usually determined by the detail of the painting