Material: Enamel technology. Alloy. Porcelain

Size: Approx. 6 cm high

Narrative:

Cloisonné, also known as **copper-based cloisonné enamel**, is a traditional art form that combines metal craftsmanship with enamel technology and has profound historical and cultural value.

Origin and naming

The technology of cloisonné originated in the ancient Near East and was later introduced to China via the Silk Road. The craft is believed to have been introduced to China during the Yuan Dynasty and reached its peak during the Jingtai period of the Ming Dynasty (1450-1457). Since the enamel glaze at that time was mainly blue and was popular during the Jingtai period, it was named "Cloisonné".

Production process

The production process of cloisonné is extremely complicated, mainly including the following steps:

1. **Making the body**: Using copper as the base material, create the basic shape of the object.

2. **Filigree**: Use fine copper wire to pinch out various patterns and weld them onto a copper base.

3. **Dotting**: Fill the gaps of the pattern with enamel glazes of different colors.

4. **Blue firing**: The filled object is placed in a high temperature kiln for firing to fix the glaze.

5. **Polishing and gilding**: After polishing and gilding, the gloss and details of the object are completed.

Cultural significance

Cloisonné is not only a handicraft, but also a symbol of Chinese traditional culture. It combines the techniques of **bronze**, **porcelain** and **enamel**, demonstrating the wisdom and creativity of Chinese craftsmen. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, cloisonné was mainly used in the palace, symbolizing **wealth and authority**. In modern times, cloisonné has become one of the "Eight Wonders of Yanjing" and is listed as China's **Intangible Cultural Heritage**.

Legends and Stories

According to legend, Emperor Jingtai of the Ming Dynasty had a special liking for enamel craft and personally promoted the development of cloisonné. He paid special attention to the color matching of the glaze, and finally created a unique blue glaze, which has become the iconic feature of cloisonné.

The magnificence and refinement of cloisonné make it a treasure of traditional Chinese craftsmanship.

The cornucopia is a magical treasure in Chinese folklore. It is said that it can make the wealth placed in it multiply continuously, so it is regarded as a symbol of attracting wealth and treasure.

Origin and story

The most famous version of the story of the cornucopia is associated with Shen Wansan of the Ming Dynasty. Shen Wansan was a wealthy businessman in the Jiangnan region. Legend has it that he became rich because he owned a treasure bowl. It is said that Shen Wansan accidentally got a clay basin from a fisherman, and at first he did not find anything special about it. Until one day, his wife accidentally dropped a silver hairpin into the basin, only to find that the silver hairpin kept replicating and the basin was full of silver hairpins. From then on, Shen Wansan used the power of the cornucopia to become a wealthy businessman.

Another legend is related to the "Jubao Gate" in Nanjing. It is said that when Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang was building the Nanjing city wall, he encountered the problem of unstable foundation, so he ordered Shen Wansan's cornucopia to be buried under the city gate, successfully stabilizing the foundation. Therefore, the city gate was named "Jubao Gate".

Cultural significance

The legend of the cornucopia not only shows people's yearning for wealth, but also reflects the pursuit of "blessings" and "auspiciousness" in Chinese folk culture. Nowadays, cornucopias are often made into handicrafts and used as home feng shui decorations, symbolizing wealth and family harmony.