Foreign Porcelain and Chinese Splendor

Enamel painting originated in Europe and was introduced to China by European merchants and missionaries at the end of the 17th century. Although enamel painting is mostly done on metal, its texture is quite similar to that of porcelain. Since it is a craft and technology brought from Europe, the Chinese called it 'foreign porcelain'. Guangzhou, as the trading port of the early Qing Dynasty, was the first to master the craft of enamel painting and combined it with Chinese traditions, gradually developing Guang enamel that could rival that of the West. Across the ocean, Europe in the 18th century was experiencing a 'Chinoiserie' trend, with imported Chinese porcelain, silk, lacquerware, and enamel being the sources of this trend. When Guang enamel was sold to Europe, its shapes borrowed from popular European styles, but the decorations still featured traditional Chinese patterns, which Westerners considered to be highly characteristic of China, hence they called it 'Chinese Splendor'. 'Foreign Porcelain', originating from the West and recreated with Chinese craftsmanship, was regarded as 'Chinese Splendor' by Westerners. The same Guang enamel thus had two different names, 'Foreign Porcelain' and 'Chinese Splendor', marking the beginning of cultural exchanges and dialogues. This exhibition is co-hosted by the World Expo Museum and the Art Museum of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, hoping to showcase the beauty of Guang enamel craftsmanship and its enduring charm of integrating Chinese and Western elements.