This exhibition reveals the aesthetic, technical, and cultural achievement of Chinese enamel wares by demonstrating the transformative role of enamel. From the late 14th–15th century, porcelain with overglaze enamels was developed along with the introduction of cloisonné enamel from the West, leading to a palette shift from monochromatic to colourful. From the late 17th–18th century, European enamelling techniques were brought to the Qing court and more subtle and varied colour tones were developed on enamels applied over porcelain, metal, glass, and other mediums. In both moments, Chinese artists actively created new colours and styles that reflected their own taste.
The Met — “Embracing Color: Enamel in Chinese Decorative Arts, 1300–1900”
