Dayazhai Enamel Gold Ground Covered Bowl

The enamel-painted gold-ground covered bowl was created through the collaboration of several masters, including Zhang Jian, a master of overglaze enamel and gold-painting techniques in Jingdezhen.

In the world of enamelware, the most elaborate and intricate designs are known as those of the Guyuexuan style. The lines on this covered bowl are as fine as a hair, an incredibly delicate and masterful touch; I even feel a magnifying glass is needed to depict them. This piece was custom-made by Zhao Qingtao, the owner of Dayatang, and is absolutely unique on the market.

Floral scroll pattern:

The exterior is decorated with enamel-painted scrolling floral patterns, including scrolling peonies, lotuses, and chrysanthemums. Because the scrolls are continuous and seemingly endless, they are called "flowers of longevity." The scrolling lotus branches and leaves are graceful and dynamic, with vibrant colors and gold-painted string patterns. Due to their continuous structure, they symbolize "endless life," hence the scrolling pattern is also known as "longevity vine."

Besides the intricate and exquisite painting, the Guyuexuan vine-patterned flower cup requires four firings in the kiln to complete, each with its own risks.

Enamelware from the Qing Dynasty was originally intended for the enjoyment of emperors and empresses. Enamel is a special type of artificially fired pigment. Before the sixth year of the Yongzheng Emperor's reign (1728), it had to be imported from Europe. After the sixth year of the Yongzheng Emperor's reign, the Qing Palace workshops were able to refine more than 20 kinds of enamel pigments themselves, which was a product of the peak period of ancient Chinese polychrome porcelain craftsmanship.