Postcard Cloisonné enamel and gilted bronze lamp
Starting being imported into China from Byzantium of Muslim world in Ming Dynasty, cloisonné had become popular during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Cloisonné is an alternative name for copper-stripe inlayed enamel ware. Enamel wares made in Jingtai period of Ming dynasty were those with historical significance and also at an international-level standard. Later, people called the special technique of making the enamel wares “cloisonné” (jingtailan). Its special achievement lies in the use of “cobalt blue glaze.” Japanese call these enamel wares Qibaoshao. The “beast-faced cloisonné jar with two handles” is possibly a jar-like light holder. Having exotic patterns, the whole jar has a match between copper carvings and the full brilliant colours of cloisonné. There are eight colours of enamel glaze.