Page 17 - China Of All Colors, Jorge Welsh

China of All Colours 25

painted enamels on copper

FIG. 5

In many cases, it is unclear precisely what medium Qianlong emperor received the Portuguese envoy Fig. 5
is being discussed—whether enamel on metal, por- Francisco Pereira de Sampayo at the imperial court.
celain, or glass—and even which technique (painted, Upon his departure, several imperially manufactured Letter from Emperor
cloisonné or champlevé) has been applied. Indeed, in gifts were offered to him for the king of Portugal, Qianlong to Dom José I,
the August 1703 issue of the gazette Mercure Galant, D. José I (1714-1777). These were accompanied by a King of Portugal
‘copper tea canisters’ (pots de cuivre à Thé) and ‘a scroll from the emperor, written in three languages— (Chinese and Portuguese)
box of enamel copper’ (une caisse de cuivre émaillé) Chinese, Manchu and Portuguese—signalling
are recorded among the cargo of the French ship goodwill between the two countries (fig. 5): Encre de Chine on yellow
l’Amphitrite, recently arrived from Macao.44 Though silk with polychrome
in both cases the medium is given, the record does 兹以使臣归国，特颁斯敕。其锡赉珍琦，具如常 decoration
not specifiy the enamelling technique(s) applied. 仪。加赐彩缎罗绮、珍玩器具等物，王其祗受，悉
While either could be interpreted as an early ref- 朕眷怀，故兹勑谕。[As the ambassador is about China — Qing dynasty,
erence to Chinese painted enamels on copper, all to depart for his homeland, I hereby give this Qianlong period (1736-1795),
other sources pertaining to the development of the order. Precious gifts shall be bestowed upon him 29th May 1753
medium in China points to the very end of the Kangxi in accordance with our usual rituals. Extra gifts
period, ca. 1720. such as colourful silk, fine textiles and exquisite H. 385 L. 85 cm
objects shall be offered in addition, receiving
Moreover, seemingly specific references to ena­ which the king will understand my affection. The © Biblioteca da Ajuda
melled copperware can be misleading. In 1753, the order is hence given.]