Jingtailan, also known as filigree enamel with copper mold is a traditional Chinese craft.

These containers which seem a bit dull become so exquisite with such vivid decorations.

Introduced during the Yuan Dynasty, it thrived in the Ming dynasty during the reign of the Jingtai Emperor (1450-1457) , when a new blue pigment was discovered and gave Jingtailan its current name based on the Chinese word “lan” for blue .It used to be exclusive to the imperial families.

The making of Jingtailan requires rather elaborate processes.Use red copper to make a mold, and weld copper wires on the copper mold according to the drawn pattern.

Next,inlay glaze into the empty spaces of the pattern.

After repeated enamel-firing, polishing and gilding, an exquisite Jingtailan product is made.

Traditional Jingtailan patterns include paintings of the auspicious Chinese dragon and phoenix, Chinese characters for sending good wishes as well as Buddhist images.

Nowadays, Jingtailan artworksoften serve as China’s gifts to foreign leaders and international institutions, conveying Chinese people’s best wishes to the world.

(Source: Ecns.cn)

Editor: Song Lifang