An exhibition themed on enamel porcelains was recently held at Chongchuan Library, showcasing over 20 precious "Guyuexuan" enamel artworks that exemplify the beauty of ancient Chinese artistic craftsmanship‌.

The enamel porcelain emerged during the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) as an innovative achievement combining Chinese porcelain-firing techniques with European enamel pigment technology from the imperial workshops‌.

These artifacts comprise white porcelain bases that are embellished with vibrant enamel glazes, achieved through a series of low-temperature firings. Their intricate miniature designs and sophisticated color palette epitomize the aesthetic values and technical achievements characteristic of their historical period.

The Guyuexuan enamel porcelain, custom-crafted for the Qing imperial court, functioned as luxurious decorative objects and prestigious gifts intended for distinguished officials‌. This art form, which incorporated Baroque elements influenced by European artistic traditions, reached its peak during the Yongzheng and Qianlong reigns, becoming a quintessential symbol of courtly artistry‌.

Beyond displaying technical mastery, the exhibition illuminates Guyuexuan's historical context and artistic value, conveying the philosophical depth of Chinese culture and its aesthetic principles.

The porcelain-bodied painted enamels are showcased at Chongchuan Library. [Photo/Nantong Daily]