Page 271 - Chinese Art, Vol II By Stephen W. Bushell

ENAMELS, ETC. 77

two well contrasted shades of blue, a dark blue of lapis-lazuli tone
without the dulness of washing blue, and a pale sky-blue with the
slightest tinge of green. The red is of dark coral tint rather than
brickdust, the yellow full-bodied and pure. Greens derived from
copper are sparingly used, rouges d'or are entirely absent from their
scheme of decoration. Black and white give the worst results,
the former fails in depth and lustre, the latter is generally clouded
and muddy. The general effect of the decoration is wonderfully
successful, but at the same time a more minute examination will
reveal minor flaws due to imperfect technique, a certain want
of polish in the surface, and a tendency to become pitted with
minute holes in the enamels. The last defect, so frequent in early
enamels, was remedied later by repeated fusion in successive firings,
at the risk always of some deterioration in the original brilliancy
of the colouring.
Under the present Cli'ing dynasty the reigns of K'ang Hsi, Yung
Cheng, and Ch'ien Lung are distinguished for the excellence of
their enamels. The works of K'ang Hsi (1662-1722) while improv-
ing in technical finish, retain something of the boldness of design
and robust colouring of the Ming dynasty. The style is simple
and broad, the colouring pure and rich, the execution strong and
original. Fine specimens are to be seen in many of the Buddhist
temples in the neighbourhood of Peking, which were founded
under the patronage of the emperor during his long reign, as it
was his usual practice to have the sets of incense vessels required
for the shrines made of cloisonne enamels at the palace works
referred to in Vol. I., p. 116, for presentation to the temple at
its inauguration It will be seen by the list that No. 6 of these
factories which were established in the year 1680 in connection
with the Board of Work';, wasdevoted to themanufacture of enamels.
The enamel work of Yung Cheng (1723-1735) does not differ
materially from that of his predecessor. When the heir-apparent
came to the throne in 1722, his former residence in Peking, near