Jingdezhen overglaze enamel and gold-leaf technique master

Zhang Jian

A master porcelain painter from Jingdezhen, he once painted a "Longevity and Fortune Dragon Vase" on behalf of Jingdezhen to celebrate President Hu Jintao's birthday.

This bottle features a ruyi (a type of scepter) on its shoulder and a longevity symbol on its neck, along with a golden dragon, bat, and carp, all carrying extraordinary symbolism.

A "Longevity and Fortune Dragon Vase" painted for President Hu Jintao's birthday.

Zhang Jian, a native of Fengcheng, Jiangxi, has loved painting since childhood. By chance, he became an apprentice in Jingdezhen and, despite the harsh conditions, developed his craftsmanship.

He was extremely skilled in delicate painting techniques such as overglaze enamels, and used the techniques of piling gold and applying powder to make his creations more substantial, hard, refined, and magnificent, with a three-dimensional aesthetic.

Master of Daya Hall and Teacher Zhang Jian